Retrofitting a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell with Tungsten Carbide Nanoparticles

Overview

Grant Wiarda (John Adams High School) Mentor: Nevin Longenecker ([email protected]) Chaperone: Ann Wiarda ([email protected]) Retrofitting A Direct Methanol Fuel Cell With Tungsten Carbide Nanoparticles In today’s society, fears of climate change and the adverse effects of pollution have fueled a strong push for greater reliance on renewable energy sources. Such sources include wind turbines, solar panels, and even apparatuses that can harness the power of the ocean’s waves. However, these are all quite inefficient and thus not cost effective. One possible solution to this worldwide problem would be greater implementation of direct methanol fuel cells, also known as DMFC. In this investigation, a direct methanol fuel cell, ohm resistor, and methanol of different molarities were used. In order to retrofit a new catalyst layer in the fuel cell, a solution of 100mg of tungsten carbide nanoparticles per 1mL of Nafion solution was created and painted onto both sides of a 3cm X 3cm piece of electrode tissue. This electrode tissue was then implemented in place of the original platinum catalyst. A second solution was also created using 200mg of tungsten carbide nanoparticles per 1mL Nafion solution. This solution was again painted onto both sides of a 3cm X 3cm piece of electrode tissue. Then, the new catalyst layer was retrofitted in place of the 100mg tungsten carbide catalyst. Trials were run using the control electrode tissue plated with 0.2mg platinum/cm2, electrode tissue plated with 100mg tungsten carbide per mL Nafion, and 200 mg tungsten carbide per mL Nafion. After data analysis, the 200mg tungsten carbide catalyst yielded comparable results to the control catalyst when operating on 0.5M methanol. This results proves the feasibility of the possible large scale implementation of direct methanol fuel cells with less expensive catalysts.

Competition history

• AJAS 2020 Category not listed

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