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Alkaline fuel cells have an advantage over proton exchange membrane fuel cells on both cathode kinetics and ohmic polarization. However, despite its early success in certain applications,alkaline fuel cells have an intrinsic obstruction of carbonation that is prohibitive for broad commercialization. This article describes the technology of direct alkaline alcohol fuel cells. Using an anion exchange membrane instead of a liquid caustic alkali electrolyte in an alkaline fuel cell allows for avoiding problems of leakage, carbonation, precipitation of carbonate salts and preventing the gas electrode flooding, increasing the volumetric energy density. Recent progress on innovative selective electrocatalysts has also been reviewed. It appears the direct alkaline alcohol fuel cells have potential to succeed in portable applications.