From structures, packaging to application: A system-level review for micro direct methanol fuel cell

Micro Direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) has attracted wide attention in the field of portable electronic equipment because of its unique advantages such as no charge, environment friendliness, simple structure and convenient fuel storage. It has obtained important applications in laptop, mobile phones, micro-satellites, electric vehicles, MEMS devices, video camera and other aspects. So, it is significant to study in depth its structure, functional characteristics and applications. This review shows the progress on the recent development of micro direct methanol fuel cell. Lots of functional components including micro flow field plate, membrane electrode assembly, proton exchange membrane, catalytic layer, diffusion layer and collector are studied and discussed. The supplies management and packaging technology are also explained and discussed in detail. A mass of portable devices whose power are supplied by μDMFC are researched and discussed. This work will provide an comprehensive guide to those who want to study μDMFC.