MEMS Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

In this chapter, MEMS direct methanol fuel cell, a clean portable energy that has been widely concerned in recent years, is introduced. Starting from the working principle and basic structure of DMFC, we elaborate the design, manufacture, encapsulation, and testing of DMFC based on our previous work. An anode three-dimensional steady-state physical field-coupling model was established as an example of simulation and theoretical analysis of DMFC. The design and processing of the current collector were then demonstrated. As the core of DMFC, the fabrication of membrane electrode assembly was focused on where the preparation and measurement of Pt-based catalyst were also covered. A novel assembly method was taken as an example to illustrate the encapsulation methods and requirements for DMFC. The final part described the testing system and methods of DMFC performance, including the measurement and characterization of the catalyst. The effect of different operating conditions on the performance of DMFC was discussed. In summary, the chapter gives a comprehensive view to those who are interested in MEMS DMFC.