DMFC in seven steps:

Step 1

There are two supply circuits. At the cathode side is the oxygene supply and at the anode side methanol and water is supplied. The substances move into the gas area and the catalyzer.

Step 2

The methanol reacts with water to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. After this the hydrogen is devided into two H+ atoms (protons). Each atom sets free one electron.

Step 3

The protons move through the electrolyte (a proton transmitting membrane) to the cathode.

Step 4

The electrons move from the anode to the cathode and cause an electric current. This electric current supplies an electric capacitor with electric power.

Step 5

Respectively four electrons recombine with one oxygene molecule.
Remark: In this animation there is one oxigene atom "too much" at the cathode. In reality this atom will also absorbe two electrons and paticipate in the reaction.

Step 6

The now generated oxygene ions are negative loaded and react with the protons to water.