Catalyst

The fuel cell creates power by oxidizing hydrogen into a proton and an electron on the anode electrode and reducing oxygen on the cathode electrode. In a PEM fuel cell, platinum is used as the catalyst on the anode and cathode electrode. A direct methanol fuel cell uses a platinum/ ruthenium mixture as the anode catalyst and the typical platinum catalyst on the cathode. It is used to promote the methanol oxidation and redirection reactions.