Conceptual design and statistical overview on the design of a passive DMFC single cell

A conceptual design and statistical overview about passive direct methanol fuel cells that have been fabricated from 2002 to 2013, is performed [1–70]. The major components of passive DMFCs such as: active area, type of Nafion, catalyst loading on the anode and cathode side, characteristics and designs of current collectors (CC), and also the optimum methanol concentration which resulted in the best performance are categorized and studied statistically and individually. Finally, the best combination for the design and fabrication of a reliable passive DMFC is recommended. Obtained results indicated that a MEA with 4 cm2 active area, Nafion 117 and 4 mg/cm2 Pt/Ru at the anode and 2 mg/cm2 Pt black at the cathode (or 4 mg/cm2 Pt/Ru at the anode – 4 mg/cm2 Pt black at the cathode) as the catalyst loading, which is sandwiched between two stainless steel perforated current collectors that are coated by Pt (or Gold) could be a reliable design for a passive direct methanol single cell. •The best combination for the design and fabrication of a reliable passive DMFC is recommended.•4M methanol solution is reported as the best concentration for fuel solution that yields the best cell performance.•MEA with 4 cm2 (or totally less than 10 cm2) active area, Nafion 117 and 4%–2% (or 4%–4%) catalyst loading which is sandwiched between two stainless steel perforated current collectors that are coated by Pt (or Gold) is reported as a reliable design option for a passive direct methanol single cell.