Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The present invention provides a light-weight, compact fuel cell that is well-suited to powering portable electronic devices and vehicles, particularly light-duty vehicles such as golf carts, forklifts, wheelchairs, motor bikes, and scooters. The fuel cell comprises the following major components: (a) a fuel anode; (b) an oxidant cathode comprising an alcohol-tolerant oxidant reduction catalyst; and (c) a liquid electrolyte in ionic contact with the anode and the cathode with the electrolyte comprising a solution and an alcohol fuel dissolved in the solution. The presently invented dissolved-fuel direct alcohol fuel cell eliminates the use of expensive polymer electrolyte membranes and, in general, do not require the use of expensive platinum as a catalyst material at the cathode and/or at the anode. The alcohol fuel may be selected from methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, formic acid, or a combination thereof. The electrolyte may comprise an acid or an alkaline solution.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim