A Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) is an electrochemical energy conversion device which transforms the chemical energy of liquid methanol into electrical energy directly without any intermediate processes or moving parts, thus making it an efficient source of power. Unlike internal combustion engines that burn fuel for power, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) use a polymer electrode membrane to convert chemical energy to electrical energy.

 

Methanol fuel is delivered to the anode side of the membrane, where it is split into protons and electrons. The electrons pass to a circuit and create electrical current, while the protons pass through the membrane to the cathode side of the fuel cell. On the cathode side, the protons and oxygen form carbon dioxide and water.