Proton-conducting electrolytes for direct methanol and direct urea fuel cells – A state-of-the-art review

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 57; pp. 1347 - 1358
• Main Authors: Radenahmad, Nikdalila, Afif, Ahmed, Petra, Pg Iskandar, Rahman, Seikh M.H., Eriksson, Sten-G., Azad, Abul K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-05-2016
• Subjects: alkaline-medium; composite electrolyte; Direct methanol fuel cell; Direct urea fuel cell; doped barium cerate; high-temperature phase; hydrogen-production; ionic glasses; Proton conductivity; Protonic electrolyte; superprotonic conductivity; thermal-behavior; transition; Proton conductivity; Direct methanol fuel cell; Direct urea fuel cell; Protonic electrolyte
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.12.103

This review focuses on the protonic/superprotonic electrolytes used for application in direct methanol and direct urea/urine fuel cells. Since, methanol has high energy density, which is essential for portable direct methanol fuel cells, and is simpler to store and transport than conventional hydrogen as fuel. However, methanol is not readily available, which makes waste an attractive option as a fuel source, resulting in the development of direct urea fuel cells. Fuel cells that use waste that contains hydrogen, like waste water or urine, are attractive because of their potential to generate energy from low-cost, abundant sources.