Liu, Guicheng Yang, Zhaoyi Halim, Martin Li, Xinyang Wang, Manxiang Kim, Ji Young Mei, Qiwen Wang, Xindong Lee, Joong Kee 2024-01-20T01:34:07Z 2024-01-20T01:34:07Z 2021-09-01 2017-04-15 0196-8904 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/122844 To realize gradient activation effect and recover catalytic activity of catalyst in a short time, a gradient activation method has firstly been proposed for enhancing discharge performance and perfecting activation mechanism of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). This method includes four steps, i.e. proton activation, activity recovery activation, H-2-O-2 mode activation and forced discharging activation. The results prove that the proposed method has gradually realized replenishment of water and protons, recovery of catalytic activity of catalyst, establishment of transfer channels for electrons, protons, and oxygen, and optimization of anode catalyst layer for methanol transfer in turn. Along with the novel activation process going on, the DMFC discharge performance has been improved, step by step, to more than 1.9 times higher than that of the original one within 7.5 h. This method provides a practicable activation way for the real application of single DMFCs and stacks.(C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. English PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ANODE CATALYST LAYER PERFORMANCE MEMBRANE OPTIMIZATION TECHNOLOGY CATHODE SYSTEM A gradient activation method for direct methanol fuel cells Article 10.1016/j.enconman.2017.01.055 1 ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT, v.138, pp.54 - 60 ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT 138 54 60 scie scopus 000396948700007 2-s2.0-85012134608 Thermodynamics Energy & Fuels Mechanics Thermodynamics Energy & Fuels Mechanics Article ANODE CATALYST LAYER PERFORMANCE MEMBRANE OPTIMIZATION TECHNOLOGY CATHODE SYSTEM Direct methanol fuel cells Gradient activation Conditioning method Mass transfer channel Activation mechanism