Modification of proton conducting membrane for reducing methanol crossoverin a direct-methanol fuel cell

In order to reduce methanol cross-over to the positive electrode in a direc t-methanol fuel cell (DMFC), the concept of modifying the morphology of the proton-conducting membrane is proposed. The method involves using plasma e tching and palladium-sputtering on a Nafion (TM) polymer membrane. Methanol permeability tests were conducted in a specially-designed cell. Plasma etc hing of Nafion (TM) membrane increases the roughness of the membrane surfac e and decreases the methanol permeability. The sputtering of palladium on t he plasma-etched Nafion (TM) further decreases the methanol cross-over. Imp roved DMFC performance curves are obtained in a single cell which contains the modified Nafion (TM). (C), 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserv ed.