Fuel Cells that Run off Ethanol or Sugar Possible?

[dimensionless]

Is it possible to make fuel cells that run of ethanol or even sugar?


Is it a good idea? Why/Why not?

 

[sid_galt]

PEMFC fuel cells and a few others can only run on H2 and O2. Solid oxide fuel cells can run on CH4, CO and H2.

Although direct usage of ethanol is not possible, usage by reforming it to convert it into methane is possible. I don't know whether reforming of sugar is possible or not.

 

[dimensionless]

Sugar probably wouldn't be very efficient because it caries oxygen, but I thought the following formula was interesting

C6H12O6 ---> 2 (C3H6O3) + Energy