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A methanol impermeable proton conducting composite electrolyte system

Journal Article · · Journal of the Electrochemical Society
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2044333· OSTI ID:99596
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Illinois Inst. of Tech., Chicago, IL (United States). Dept. of Chemical and Biological Sciences

The concept of a proton conducting, methanol impermeable composite electrolyte system is demonstrated. A three-layered laminar electrolyte consisting of a dense, methanol impermeable protonic conductor sandwiched between proton permeable electronically insulating layers permits the selective transport of protons while eliminating methanol crossover to the cathode. The authors demonstrate the selectivity of the composite electrolyte using palladium foil sandwiched between two Nafion{trademark} polymer membranes. The open-circuit voltage for an H{sub 2}/O{sub 2} fueled cell utilizing this composite electrolyte is unaffected by introduction of methanol to the H{sub 2} fuel stream, whereas conventional polymer electrolyte cells suffer severe degradation of performance due to methanol crossover.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
99596
Journal Information:
Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 142; ISSN 0013-4651; ISSN JESOAN
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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