A monolithic hybrid direct methanol fuel cell

A monolithic hybrid direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) with a novel configuration is proposed in an effort to reduce the weight and size of the conventional hybrid fuel cell system. A modified DMFC with a layer of hydrous ruthenium dioxide (Ru O2 x H2 O) sandwiched between the anode catalyst layer and membrane has been used to demonstrate the principle of the monolithic hybrid DMFC. Experimental results indicate that the Ru O2 x H2 O layer is equivalent to a resistive-capacitive transmission line and functions similar to a capacitor in parallel with the anode electrode. The improvement in dynamic response of the modified DMFC has been experimentally confirmed under square current pulse operating.