A one dimensional model of a methanol fuel cell anode

A model of a direct methanol fuel cell anode is presented which considers electrocatalysts to have a distribution of over potential and current density in the structure. The model is applicable to an anode based on a metal mesh supported electrocatalysts structure. Methanol oxidation is described by dual site mechanisms involving adsorbed CO and OH intermediates. The model is used to predict the electrode potential–current density behaviour of the anode. The concentration of methanol is shown to influence overall electrode polarisation characteristics and critically the selection of the mechanism for methanol oxidation has a major impact in this respect. The model gives good correspondence with experimentally observed cell polarisation behaviour.