Why are direct methanol fuel cells not used for transportation?

The DMFC relies upon the oxidation of methanol on a catalyst layer to form carbon dioxide. As water is consumed at the anode in the reaction, pure methanol cannot be used without provision of water via either passive transport such as back diffusion (osmosis), or active transport such as pumping.

Why is methanol not used in cars?

The Chinese have a million methanol cars on the road and will be carrying these supplies back to China to power their growing transport sector. Yet the EPA continues to refuse to allow methanol to be used in car engines, mainly because of the reputation earned as a poisonous “wood alcohol” during Prohibition.

What are direct methanol fuel cells used for?

A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is an electrochemical energy conversion device that converts the chemical energy of liquid methanol into electrical energy directly.

What are the disadvantages of methanol fuel cell?

The limitations for direct methanol fuel cells are (1) methanol crossover from the anode to the cathode across the membrane separator, (2) carbon monoxide poisoning, (3) high polarization of the anode for the oxidation of methanol, and (3) systems design.

What are the waste products of direct methanol fuel cell?

By means of an electrochemical reaction, the direct methanol fuel cell converts the fuel, i.e. methanol, into electricity in combination with oxygen. The only waste products of the combustion process are waste heat, water vapor and a small amount of carbon dioxide.

Do f1 cars use methanol?

The fuel used in Formula 1 Racing Cars is not methanol but a fuel similar to petrol with a controlled mixture of some other compounds. A fuel must have high mass density to work better. So, ordinary fuels are not directly used. Before the races, fuel samples must be submitted to FIA officials.

What waste products would a direct methanol fuel cell produce?

Is methanol a good hydrogen carrier?

Methanol is an excellent hydrogen carrier fuel, packing more hydrogen in this simple alcohol molecule than can be found in hydrogen that’s been compressed (350-700 bar) or liquified (-253˚C).

Who invented direct methanol fuel cell?

The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is a relatively recent addition to the suite of fuel cell technologies; it was invented and developed in the 1990s by researchers at several institutions in the United States, including NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

What are the advantages of using methanol as an alternative fuel for vehicles?

Methanol can be an alternative to conventional transportation fuels. The benefits of methanol include: Lower production costs—Methanol is cheap to produce relative to other alternative fuels. Improved safety—Methanol has a lower risk of flammability compared to gasoline.