| Fuel cells are electrochemical reactors that convert chemical energy into electrical energy efficiently and without releasing harmful compounds to the environment. Among all the types of fuel cells that have been developed, the most suited for mobile applications is the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). The performance of PEMFC is substantially influenced by different losses through the cell. To monitor these losses, a Pt/H2 electrode was used as a reference. Finally, the cell was optimized using H2/O 2 as reactants. Results show that higher pressures (4 atm) improves cathode losses, in this manner, higher anode humidification temperature (80°C) improves the cell performance. The optimal cell temperature was 55°C. Some of these conditions were adapted to a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). Optimal conditions were 8M methanol, 3 atm anode-cathode pressure. Power densities of 2.4 mW/cm2 at 12.7 mA/cm2 were obtained at 55°C cell temperature. |
