Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs)

Ethanol could be considered as a carbon-neutral and sustainable fuel source if it is produced from biomass. Ethanol is promising due to its low cost and low toxicity. There are two different types of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs): alkaline and acidic. Successful results have been reported in the electrooxidation of ethanol with platinum (Pt) catalysts in these fuel cells. Moreover, studies on Palladium (Pd) have also shown very promising results and this seems to be the primary catalyst to replace Pt. Development of a DEFC is an important field that needs to be scientifically studied on its engineering technology as well as electrochemical reactions. However, in order to obtain a commercially available fuel cell, technical problems and economic concerns need to be eliminated. This section includes both types of DEFC and gives insight into future system designs and future trends for DEFCs to achieve commercial and engineering success.