Why is methanol a good choice for use in a fuel cell?
Methanol is naturally occurring, biodegradable, and energy dense. Its striking advantage is the use of a cheap liquid fuel that can very easily be handled, stored, and distributed, and which has an extremely high energy density. And, unlike other “ecofriendly” power sources like solar or wind power, which are reliant on direct sunshine or wind in the area of operation, methanol can be easily shipped to any location needed. In fact, in many areas, a working methanol infrastructure exists already down to the consumer level, e.g. windshield washer fluid. Methanol is naturally hydrogen dense (a hydrogen carrier) and can be steam reformed into hydrogen at lower temperatures compared to other hydrocarbon fuels. As its nickname, wood alcohol suggests, methanol can be distilled from wood and other organic materials.
