Abstract
Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are the heart of promising hydrogen-fueled electric vehicles, and should lower their price and further improve durability. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the performances of the proton-exchange membrane (PEM), which is a key component of a PEMFC. In this study, novel pore-filled proton-exchange membranes (PFPEMs) were developed, in which a partially fluorinated ionomer with high cross-linking density is combined with a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) substrate. By using a thin and tough porous PTFE substrate film, it was possible to easily fabricate a composite membrane possessing sufficient physical strength and low mass transfer resistance. Therefore, it was expected that the manufacturing method would be simple and suitable for a continuous process, thereby significantly reducing the membrane price. In addition, by using a tri-functional cross-linker, the cross-linking density was increased. The oxidation stability was greatly enhanced by introducing a fluorine moiety into the polymer backbone, and the compatibility with the perfluorinated ionomer binder was also improved. The prepared PFPEMs showed stable PEMFC performance (as maximum power density) equivalent to 72% of Nafion 212. It is noted that the conductivity of the PFPEMs corresponds to 58–63% of that of Nafion 212. Thus, it is expected that a higher fuel cell performance could be achieved when the membrane resistance is further lowered.
Highlights
It is noted that the conductivity of the pore-filled proton-exchange membranes (PFPEMs) corresponds to 58–63% of that of Nafion 212
There is no doubt that Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is the most important technology that determines the performance and commercialization of such hydrogen-fueled electric vehicles [3]
As described in the experimental section, the molar ratio of octafluoropentyl methacrylate (OFPMA)/Acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMSA) was controlled in the range of 0 to 0.5
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been considered as a competitive and promising power source for various vehicular and stationary applications due to their advantages, such as high energy generation efficiency, mild operation conditions, and dynamic load-following capability [1,2]. From the viewpoint of environmental conservation and sustainable energy utilization, much attention has been paid to electric vehicles using hydrogen as fuel worldwide. There is no doubt that PEMFC is the most important technology that determines the performance and commercialization of such hydrogen-fueled electric vehicles [3]. Proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) are one of the core components determining the performance and price of PEMFCs. The
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