Research Progress of High-Efficiency Methanol Fuel Cell Technology

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2025.0314

Abstract

Abstract:

Methanol, with its advantages of low cost, easy storage and transportation, and wide availability, serves as a critical carrier for China's green and low-carbon energy transition and is often referred to as "liquid sunlight." Methanol-based fuel cells have demonstrated broad application prospects in portable power systems, mobile/fixed power stations, and vehicle/ship propulsion. This paper introduces the types and characteristics of various methanol fuel cells and analyzes research and application progress in terms of electrical efficiency. The analysis focuses on temperature matching between methanol reforming and fuel cell operation, waste heat utilization, and power generation efficiency. Direct methanol fuel cells are characterized by low power density, low operating temperatures, and high noble metal catalyst loading, rendering them particularly well-suited for portable power applications. Despite its advanced technological status and considerable miniaturization potential, methanol reforming in conjunction with hydrogen fuel cells exhibits limited system efficiency, primarily due to the underutilization of waste heat from the fuel cell. High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs), operating at approximately 200 ℃, have the potential to enhance waste heat recovery efficiency and, consequently, system efficiency through optimized thermal management. However, challenges persist in extending membrane lifespan and reducing catalyst usage. Methanol-fed solid oxide fuel cells, which operate at even higher temperatures, achieve the highest theoretical efficiency by fully utilizing waste heat for methanol/water vaporization and reforming. Current research focuses on carbon-resistant anodes and improved thermal conduction structures. In conclusion, the present document summarizes the thermal utilization characteristics of distinct methanol fuel cells and proposes a system design principle of "fixed temperature, adjustable efficiency, and strong thermal coupling" to maximize overall system efficiency.

Key words: methanol, fuel cell, energy efficiency, temperature, thermal recycling

CLC Number:

TK 91

Feng XIE, Haijun MENG, Xianzhang LEI, Xinzhong LI, Fei DING, Zhigang SHAO. Research Progress of High-Efficiency Methanol Fuel Cell Technology[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2025, 14(11): 4237-4244.

Figures/Tables 8

Table 1

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Table 2

Types and characteristics of reactions for hydrogen production by methanol reforming"

重整反应	反应式		反应温度	特点
甲醇水蒸气重整	CH₃OH+H₂O $⇌$ 3H₂+CO₂； H₂+CO₂ $⇌$ CO+H₂O	$∆ H$ =49.4 kJ/mol	约260 ℃或400 ℃	启动较慢，H₂含量高，需要外部供热
甲醇裂解制氢	CH₃OH $⇌$ 2H₂+CO	$∆ H$ =90.5 kJ/mol	约260 ℃	反应快，需要外部供热，易积碳、H₂含量低
部分氧化制氢	CH₃OH+1/2O₂ $⇌$ 2H₂+CO₂	$∆ H$ =-192.2 kJ/mol	约350 ℃	易启动、反应迅速，局部过热积碳、产物中H₂含量低
自热重整制氢	CH₃OH+(1-2a)H₂O+aO₂ $⇌$ CO₂+(3-2a)H₂	$∆ H$ =49.4-483.6a kJ/mol 0 $≤$ a $≤$ 0.5	约500 ℃^[18]	易启动、反应快；局部过热积碳、H₂含量低

Table 2

Table 3

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

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名称	原理	电化学反应温度	综合电效率	特点	适用领域
直接甲醇燃料电池	通过电化学反应将甲醇水溶液的化学能转化为电能	室温~80 ℃	25%~35%	装置结构简单、比能量高、启动快；贵金属催化剂用量高、电流密度低	便携式电源
甲醇重整纯化质子交换膜燃料电池	甲醇经重整、纯化制备高纯氢气，通过质子交换膜燃料电池发电	室温~100 ℃	35%~45%	纯化技术多样，装置向小型化轻量化发展；发电余热难被制氢利用；	各类电站
甲醇重整高温质子交换膜燃料电池	甲醇重整气不经纯化进入高温质子交换膜燃料电池发电	160~200 ℃	35%~45%	产氢无需纯化，装置集成度较高，发电余热可部分被制氢利用	十千瓦级以内电站、增程器
甲醇固体氧化物燃料电池	甲醇在SOFC中内重整再发电	700-1000 ℃	30%~60%	启动慢、启停次数受限，发电余热易被重整利用	长时持续供电电源

技术路线	钯膜净化	变压吸附纯化	CO选择性氧化	CO选择性烷基化
工作温度	380~420 ℃	4~45 ℃	80~150 ℃	160~250 ℃
工作压力	1.5~2.0 MPa	0.1~4 MPa	常压	常压
启动时间	慢	快	较快	较快
催化剂	无	需要吸附剂，成熟	需要，成熟	需要，不成熟
引入杂质	无	吹扫气	O₂	无
产氢纯度	>99%	>99%	约70%	约75%
CO含量	<0.2 ppm	<0.2 ppm	约10 ppm	约10 ppm
纯化器体积(L/kW)	小	大(>500)	中(约45)	/