Byproducts of DMFCs
The job of the fuel cell is to convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical current without burning it. Unlike internal combustion engines there is no combustion process; therefore no airborne pollutants are generated. The only "exhaust" or by-product of this exchange is pure water and some carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). Unlike other fuel cell technologies, DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) technology produces no carbon monoxide or other particulates such as oxides of nitrogen (NOX), oxides of sulfur (SOX) or reactive organic gases (ROG). In lay terms, the total approximate amount of carbon dioxide is half of what is currently generated by combustion engines. Thus, the effect on our planet of utilizing the DMFC and methanol for energy production is profound.