Boosting DMFC power output by adding sulfuric acid as a supporting electrolyte: Effect on cell performance equipped with platinum and platinum group metal-free cathodes

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are promising electrochemical systems capable of producing electricity from the oxidation and reduction oxygen. In this work, effectiveness addition sulfuric acid as a supporting electrolyte for composition was assessed. The results showed that peak power curve in DMFCs with Pt/C cathode electrocatalysts increased progressively 70 mW cm−2 (0 mM H2SO4) to 115 concentration 100 H2SO4. These underlined positive effect aqueous solution on output enhanced. Platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) based Fe-Nx-C type were also tested being insensitive crossover at cathode. DMFC Fe–N–C catalysts result performance 21.5 cm−2. these operating conditions, does not seem bring excessive advantage. Short stability tests presented an overall assessment resistances within system is discussed.