Development of an alkaline micro direct alcohol fuel cell (Alk2Micro)

The aim of the project is to develop an alkaline micro-direct alcohol fuel cell for the long-term energy supply of small devices.

State of the art alcohol fuel cells are based on proton exchange membranes. Disadvantages of this technology like a high alcohol crossover and the necessary use of precious metal catalysts can be reduced by using an anion exchange membrane.

In the Alk2Micro project, a membrane electrode assembly based on anion exchange membranes and ionomer is first developed and electrochemically characterized in alkaline alcohol environment (ethanol, methanol). Furthermore, a corrosion resistant micro direct alcohol fuel cell is constructed. Seven SMEs form the project-accompanying committee and support the project with material resources and services as well as valuable assessments and feedback from industry.