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Title: Advanced composite polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes

Conference ·
OSTI ID:102464

A new type of reinforced composite perfluorinated polymer electrolyte membrane, GORE-SELECT{trademark} (W.L. Gore & Assoc.), is characterized and tested for fuel cell applications. Very thin membranes (5-20 {mu}m thick) are available. The combination of reinforcement and thinness provides high membrane, conductances (80 S/cm{sup 2} for a 12 {mu}m thick membrane at 25{degrees}C) and improved water distribution in the operating fuel cell without sacrificing longevity or durability. In contrast to nonreinforced perfluorinated membranes, the x-y dimensions of the GORE-SELECT membranes are relatively unaffected by the hydration state. This feature may be important from the viewpoints of membrane/electrode interface stability and fuel cell manufacturability.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
102464
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-95-2770; CONF-9510207-5; ON: DE95016941
Resource Relation:
Conference: 1. international symposium on proton conducting membrane fuel cells, Chicago, IL (United States), 8-13 Oct 1995; Other Information: PBD: [1995]
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English