Abstract
Various types of hydrocarbon-based ionomer membranes have been proposed for application in fuel cells as an alternative to perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes. The issue of chemical and mechanical degradation of this class of ionomer membranes and the combination thereof, especially under automotive operating conditions, has not been fully resolved at present. Here, we highlight key degradation mechanisms of hydrocarbon-based membranes in the fuel cell and identify necessary developments to mitigate radical induced membrane degradation and mechanical shortcomings of this class of ionomers that may enable them to compete with and, possibly, replace PFSA membranes.
Highlights
Current StatusOne of the critical components of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) in terms of performance and durability is the proton exchange membrane (PEM) used as polymer electrolyte
Fuel cells are clean and efficient electrochemical energy conversion devices that have found application in combined heat and power units[1] and forklifts for materials handling markets.[2]
The polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) fueled by hydrogen is attractive for applications with variable load profile and intermittent operation and is considered as a power source for automotive drivetrains
Summary
One of the critical components of the PEFC in terms of performance and durability is the proton exchange membrane (PEM) used as polymer electrolyte. Hydrocarbon-based PEMs are the most diverse class of materials studied for fuel cell application.[4] Typical hydrocarbon ionomers are thermally stable polymers that contain aromatic units in the main chain, which may be linked by a variety of functional groups (Figure 1a) They are of high interest because of their expected lower cost, intrinsically lower gas (H2, O2, N2) permeability, and higher glass transition temperatures compared to PFSA membranes.[5] The lower reactant permeability in particular is extremely attractive: on the one hand, it enables higher fuel efficiency and can enable use of yet thinner membranes, which in turn leads to cost reduction and increased power density. It has to be mentioned that the desire for low
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