摘要：The fuel cell technology is an emerging technology for electricity power generation for stationary, mobile and portable applications. The chemical energy of a fuel is converted to electricity by electrochemical. The key advantages of the fuel cell are high efficiency and the lack of emissions; the other advantages that make this technology attractive include modularity, fuel flexibility, and high power density. Tremendous technology progress has been made in the last 10 years. The most promising fuel cell types are proton exchange membrane (PEMFC), molten carbonate (MCFC) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) while the phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC) are commonly available for up to about 200 kW units. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) are considered for portable power applications such as electronic devices. In This paper the major challenges and research opportunities are outlined. This includes electrocatalysis, water and thermal management, modeling, and other challenges. The focus is also on the R & D needs for fuel cells. While recent advances have been impressive, cost, durability, and performance remain as key challenges to fuel cell technology. Catalysts remain the major cost factor at high production volumes. Some researchers are trying to solve the technical problems in DMFCs, and trying to identify the alternatives to methanol for use in direct-PEFCs.
