Membrane and electrode structure for methanol fuel cell

Details Membrane and electrode structure for methanol fuel cell Membrane and electrode structure for methanol fuel cell

1998-02-06

1999-09-28

Bell, Bruce F.

Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus, product, and

Having earth feature

429 42, 429 44, 429 40, 429 30, 429 33, 427115, 204296, 204282, 521 27, H01M 486

Patent

active

059586168

ABSTRACT:
The invention provides devices and techniques for reducing or eliminating fuel crossover from the anode to the cathode in fuel cells using organic fuels. The invention particularly provides proton exchange membranes having passages or channels with or without a catalyst layer active for the electrochemical oxidation of a fuel. The invention reduces fuel crossover by providing void spaces within the membrane where the fuel may be sequestered as it diffuses through the membrane from the anode to the cathode. The sequestered fuel may be removed physically and/or electrochemically. The invention provides for physical removal of the sequestered fuel by means of flowing a gas stream or a liquid stream through the passages thus evacuating the fuel before it diffuses to the cathode. Electrochemical removal of the fuel involves coating the inner walls of the passages with a catalyst, electronically connecting the catalyst with the anode, and electrooxidation of the crossover fuel sequestered in contact with the catalyst which is active for this oxidation process.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3134697 (1964-05-01), Niedrach
patent: 4272353 (1981-06-01), Lawrance et al.
patent: 4326930 (1982-04-01), Nagel et al.
patent: 4364813 (1982-12-01), White
patent: 4959132 (1990-09-01), Fedkiw, Jr.
patent: 5186877 (1993-02-01), Watanabe
patent: 5211984 (1993-05-01), Wilson
patent: 5234777 (1993-08-01), Wilson
patent: 5272017 (1993-12-01), Swathirajan et al.
patent: 5523181 (1996-06-01), Stonehart et al.
patent: 5525436 (1996-06-01), Savinell et al.
patent: 5635039 (1997-06-01), Cisar et al.
patent: 5672438 (1997-09-01), Banerjee et al.
patent: 5672439 (1997-09-01), Wilkinson et al.
patent: 5679482 (1997-10-01), Ehrenberg et al.
patent: 5716664 (1998-02-01), Marchetti
H. Takenaka, E. Torikai, Y. Kawami and N. Wakabayashi, "Solid Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolysis," Publication Jul. 14, 1981, pp. 397-403.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Membrane and electrode structure for methanol fuel cell does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Membrane and electrode structure for methanol fuel cell, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Membrane and electrode structure for methanol fuel cell will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-701411