The electrochemical oxidation of methanol in acid and alkaline fuel cell environments

The electrochemical oxidation of methanol as applicable to low temperature fuel cell environments, has been investigated. The case for the use of methanol as a directly oxidisable fuel in alkaline electrolyte is presented. Initial work was targeted at establishing a non-noble metal electrode at which methanol could be oxidised in an aqueous alkaline electrolyte. Nickel, as an established electrode material for alkaline cells, was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and potentiostatic polarisation in both hydroxide and carbonate electrolytes, and noted features studied. The relative methanol oxidation performance of a selection of potential electrocatalysts, introduced through surface modification of porous and non-porous nickel structures, was later demonstrated. [Continues.]