Fabrication of Micro DMFC Stack Using MEMS Technology

Abstract

This paper presents two kinds of direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) stack in planar array. The silicon-based DMFC stack is designed in a flip-flop configuration using MEMS technology, and the stainless steel stack is fabricated using stamping technology. Compared to stainless steel stack, the flip-flop silicon-based stack may reduce the connection space and lower the contact resistance between the membrane electrode assembly and the plates. The electrical characterization of this μDMFC stack was carried out by tests. The experimental results showed the prototype was able to generate an open-circuit voltage of 2.7V and a maximum power density of 2.2mW/cm2 at room temperature, demonstrating the feasibility of this new configuration. Application of μDMFC stacks as portable power sources were demonstrated using small electric devices powered by this stack.