Performance Data
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)
Operating temperature: 90°C,
Reported efficiency: 45%
Anode reaction: H2 ->2H+ + 2e-
Cathode reaction: ½O2 + 2H+ + 2e- ->H2O
Conducting ion: H+
Electrocatalyst: Pt
Fuel: H2 (pure or reformed)
Reported power density: 300 mW/cm3
Electrochemical challenges: Oxygen electrocatalysis, water management
Applications: Transportation, space, defense, standby power
Direct Methanol fuel cell (DMFC)
Operating temperature: 80°C,
Reported efficiency: 25%
Anode reaction: CH3OH+ H2O -> CO2 + 6H+ + 6e-
Cathode reaction: ½O2 + 2H+ + 2e- ->H2O
Conducting ion: H+
Electrocatalyst: Pt
Fuel: CH3OH
Reported power density: 20 mW/cm3
Electrochemical challenges: Methanol electrocatalysis, anode poisoning
Applications: Transportation, remote power, standby power
Alkaline fuel cell (AFC)
Operating temperature: 80°C,
Reported efficiency: 70%
Anode reaction: H2 + 2OH- -> 2H2O + 2e-
Cathode reaction: ½O2 + H2O + 2e- -> 2OH-
Conducting ion: OH-
Electrocatalyst: Pt, Ni/NiOx
Fuel: H2
Reported power density: 4000 mW/cm3
Electrochemical challenges: Hydrogen electrocatalysis, cathode corrosion
Applications: Space vehicles, transportation
Phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC)
Operating temperature: 200°C,
Reported efficiency: 42%
Anode reaction: H2 -> 2H+ + 2e-
Cathode reaction: ½O2 + 2H+ + 2e- -> H2O
Conducting ion: H+
Electrocatalyst: Pt
Fuel: H2 (reformed)
Reported power density: 220 mW/cm3
Electrochemical challenges: Oxygen electrocatalysis, cathode corrosion
Applications: On-site cogeneration (electricity and heat), transportation
Molten Carbonate fuel cell (MCFC)
Operating temperature: 650°C,
Reported efficiency: 50%
Anode reaction: H2 + CO32- ->H2O + CO2 + 2e-
Cathode reaction: ½ O2 + CO2 + 2e- -> CO32-
Conducting ion: CO32-
Electrocatalyst: Ni/LiNiOx
Fuel: H2 and CO reformed and CH4
Reported power density: 150 mW/cm3
Electrochemical challenges: Oxygen electrode, cathode corrosion
Applications: Power generation, cogeneration (electricity and heat)
Solid Oxide fuel cell (SOFC)
Operating temperature: 1000°C,
Reported efficiency: 40%
Anode reaction: H2 +O2- ->H2O + 2e-
Cathode reaction: ½O2 + 2e- -> O2-
Conducting ion: O2-
Electrocatalyst: Ni/Perovskites
Fuel: H2 and CO reformed and CH4
Reported power density: 240 mW/cm3
Electrochemical challenges: Expensive fabrication of component layers, electrolyte for lower temperature operation
Applications: Power generation, regenerative fuel cell