Characterization of polymer electrolytes for fuel cell applications

Abstract We review here our recent work on polymer electrolyte fuel cells emphasizing membrane transport issues. Transport parameters measured at 30°C for several available perfluorosulfonic acid membranes are compared. The diffusion coefficient and conductivity of each of these membranes were determined as functions of membrane water content. Data on water sorption and conductivity are reported for an experimental membrane which is a modified form of NAFION®. Contact angle measurements indicate that the surface of a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane exposed to water vapor is quite hydrophobic, even in the presence of saturated water vapor. Modeling of water distribution in PEFCs based on the uptake and transport data shows that membrane thickness contributes in a nonlinear fashion to performance in PEM fuel cells.

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