Characterization of polymer electrolytes for fuel cell applications

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:7268145

Zawodzinski, Jr, T A; Springer, T E; Uribe, F; Gottesfeld, S

We review here our recent work on polymer electrolyte fuel cells emphasizing membrane transport issues. Transport parameters measured at 30{degrees}C for several available perfluorosulfonic acid membranes are compared. The water sorption characteristics, diffusion coefficient of water, electroosmotic drag, and pretonic conductivity were determined for Nafion{reg sign} 117, Membrane C, and Dow XUS 13204.10 Developmental Fuel Cell Membrane. 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 PEFC's based on the uptake and transport data shows that membrane thickness contributes in a nonlinear fashion to performance in PEM fuel cells. Finally, some work currently underway is discussed.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 7268145
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-92-2584; CONF-9208133--1; ON: DE92040330
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300503* -- Fuel Cells-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
ADSORPTION
DIFFUSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROLYTES
ELECTROPHORESIS
FUEL CELLS
HYDRATION
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
IONIC CONDUCTIVITY
MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
MEMBRANES
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC SULFUR COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLYMERS
SOLID ELECTROLYTES
SOLVATION
SORPTION
SULFONIC ACIDS
WATER