Volume 38, Issue 11 pp. 1367-1390
Review Paper

An overview of unsolved deficiencies of direct methanol fuel cell technology: factors and parameters affecting its widespread use

Piyush Kumar

Piyush Kumar

Advanced Polymer Laboratory, Department of Polymer Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, 92, A. P. C. Road, Kolkata, 700009 India

Search for more papers by this author
Kingshuk Dutta

Kingshuk Dutta

Advanced Polymer Laboratory, Department of Polymer Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, 92, A. P. C. Road, Kolkata, 700009 India

Search for more papers by this author
Suparna Das

Suparna Das

Advanced Polymer Laboratory, Department of Polymer Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, 92, A. P. C. Road, Kolkata, 700009 India

Search for more papers by this author
Patit Paban Kundu

Corresponding Author

Patit Paban Kundu

Advanced Polymer Laboratory, Department of Polymer Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, 92, A. P. C. Road, Kolkata, 700009 India

Correspondence: Patit Paban Kundu, Department of Polymer Science and Technology, University College of Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700009, India.

E-mail: [email protected]

Search for more papers by this author
First published: 18 February 2014
Citations: 102

SUMMARY

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have evolved over the years as a potential candidate for application as a power source in portable electronic devices and in transportation sectors. They have certain associated advantages, including high energy and power densities, ease of fuel storage and handling, ability to be fabricated with small size, minimum emission of pollutants, low cost, ready availability of fuel and solubility of fuel in aqueous electrolytes. However, in spite of several years of active research involved in the development of DMFC technology, their chemical-to-electrical energy conversion efficiencies are still lower compared with other alternative power sources traditionally used. This review paper will focus on the existing issues associated with DMFC technology and will also suggest on the possible developmental necessities required for this technology to realize its practical potentials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The full text of this article hosted at iucr.org is unavailable due to technical difficulties.