High ion exchange capacity perfluorosulfonic acid resine proton exchange membrane for high temperature applications in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Abstract

High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) have attract much attention from academic and industry, which can improve the catalyst activity, reduce Pt loading, enhance CO tolerance, and simplify water and heat management. High-temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) is the key component for HT-PEMFCs. Here, we provide an investigation of newly developed HT-PEM to evaluate its properties and performances in fuel cells above 90 °C. The HT-PEM exhibits an excellent proton conductivity of 136.1 mS cm−1 at 90 °C and 95% RH, and remarkable power density of 0.95 Wcm−2 at 105 °C and 80% RH. The stability and durability of HT-PEM are studied with varied testing methods. After the continuous operation at open circuit voltage (OCV) for 500 h and continuous dry-wet circulation for 20000 cycles at 90 °C, negligible change of OCV and hydrogen permeation current density are recorded, indicating good chemical and mechanical stability for HT-PEM. The improved property and performance originate from the new PFSA base material and improved morphology, in which the larger ionic clusters and continuous proton-transfer channels contribute to the superior performance, and the high glass transition temperature (Tg∼132 °C) induces good stability.