High-Energy Density, Room-Temperature Carbonate Fuel Cell

Abstract

A room-temperature carbonate fuel cell has been constructed by modifying anion exchange membranes to transport carbonate. The cells were operated with hydrogen, methanol, and pure methanol fuels, and dry and as the cathode gases. was produced at the anode, and and were necessary at the cathode for operation, indicating that carbonate was the conducting ion. Using pure methanol as the fuel with no need for dilution significantly raises the energy density.