Recent Advances in the Development of Nanocatalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Maria H. de Sá (), Catarina S. Moreira, Alexandra M. F. R. Pinto () and Vânia B. Oliveira ()
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Maria H. de Sá: CIQUP—Chemistry Research Centre of the University of Porto, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
Catarina S. Moreira: CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Alexandra M. F. R. Pinto: CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Vânia B. Oliveira: CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-47

Abstract: Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have attracted much attention due to their potential application as a power source for portable devices. Their simple construction and operation, associated with compact design, high energy density, and relatively high energy-conversion efficiency, give the DMFCs an advantage over other promising energy production technologies in terms of portability. Nowadays, research on DMFCs has received increased attention in both academics and industries. However, many challenges remain before these systems become commercial, including their costs and durability. As a key material with a high-value cost, noble metal catalysts for both the anode and cathode sides face several problems, which hinder the commercialisation of DMFCs. This paper provides a detailed comprehensive review of recent progress in the development of nanocatalysts (NCs) for the anode and cathode reactions of DMFCs, based on Platinum, Platinum-hybrid, and Platinum-free materials. Particular attention is devoted to the systematisation of published experimental results tested in DMFC devices since 2015, with an emphasis on passive DMFC systems. In addition, a dedicated section was created to include modelling/theoretical studies. Some open problems and remaining challenges are also highlighted in the final section.

Keywords: direct methanol fuel cell; methanol oxidation reaction; oxygen reduction reaction; nanocatalysts; passive feed; modelling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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