Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) operated at elevated temperature (100 � 200 �C) and low relative humidity (RH) have attracted considerable attention due to improving electrode kinetics, enhancing anode resistance to CO poisoning, and simplifying thermal management of the system. However, the current PEFC technology, utilizes perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer membranes, e.g., Nafion, as electrolyte, which exhibits poor fuel cell performance atelevated temperature and low RH.In this presentation, we will present results on the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells operated at elevated temperature and low relative humidity by creating hygroscopic proton transport channels in a perfluorosulfonic acid and aromatic membranes using metal oxides,graphene oxide modified with inorganic cluster compounds. Porous metal oxides (TiO2, ZrO2, CeO2) nanotubes with diameter in a range of 30 to 180 nm were synthesized by calcining the as-spun Ti/polymer mat precursor non-woven mat that was fabricated using a conventional electrospinning technique. Porous metal oxides, graphene oxide functionalized with superacids utilized as filler, were incorporated in Nafion and Polysulfone ionomers. The performance of these composite membranes were investigated the H2/O2 fuel cell at 100 degree celcius under low humidity and at 80 degree celcius under 18 % RH. It was observed that the power density at 0.6 V for Nafion-TiO2 nanotube composite membrane operated at 100 C was 2 times higher than commerical Nafion-212 membrane. On the other hand, the composite membrane delivered maximum power density of 840 mW cm-2, which is 4 times higher than that of commericial Nafion-212 membrane operating at 18 % RH.

Modified proton exchange membranes for fuel cells operating at elevated temperature and low humidity

248th National Meeting (2014)

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