Water limiting current measurements in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs); part 1: Water limiting current method development

He, Cheng; Yang-Neyerlin, Ami C.; Pivovar, Bryan

doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.231534

Title: Water limiting current measurements in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs); part 1: Water limiting current method development

Journal Article · 16 May 2022 · Journal of Power Sources

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.231534 · OSTI ID:1870420

^[1]; Yang-Neyerlin, Ami C. ^[2];

^[1]

National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States)

We report water management is critical in optimizing anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFCs) performance and durability. The role of membranes on determining cell water balance in AEMFCs has received limited study. A more thorough understanding of membrane water transport parameters is necessary for thorough cell optimization. In this study, a novel method for probing limiting current based on water flux across an AEMFC is presented for the first time. The water limiting current has been investigated as a function of relative humidity of anode and cathode streams, cathode backpressure and cell operating temperature. From these studies, it is clearly shown that water diffusion through the membrane from the anode is the most critical mechanism for achieving high current density performance and durability. The developed method can act as a novel screening technique that focuses on the impacts of water transport parameters and helps identify promising membrane materials based on their water transport properties. A critical but underappreciated facet of AEMFC performance and durability.

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Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Transportation Office. Fuel Cell Technologies Office

Grant/Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 1870420

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA-5900-82120; MainId:82893; UUID:d65b0405-ce7e-44c2-920d-744292edf27a; MainAdminID:64588

Journal Information:: Journal of Power Sources, Journal Name: Journal of Power Sources Vol. 539; ISSN 0378-7753

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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