The hydrogen atoms are further divided, while the protons pass through the membrane to the positively charged electrode. Meanwhile, the hydrogen electrons are forced to go around the membrane forming an electric current. The two parts of the hydrogen atom are reunited at the positive electrode, and combined with oxygen to produce water. Because it readily frees its hydrogen to react in the fuel cell, methanol is an ideal hydrogen carrier. With just three teaspoons of methanol, this fuel cell unit will operate continuously for several hours.
Methanol is a clean transportation fuel made from domestic natural gas.
One-quarter of the world's supply of methanol is produced at 18 U.S. plants in eight states, including Florida. The industry's total capacity of over 2.5 billion gallons per year. There are a wide range of potential applications for direct methanol fuel cell technologies, ranging from consumer electronics like laptop computers and cellular phones, lawn mowers and portable generators, to cars and buses. Many expect the methanol fuel cell will power the next generation of fuel cell vehicles. For vehicle applications, DMFCs would provide the same range as today's automobiles, with all the performance.