Current proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology employs Nafion membranes which suffer from costly humidity/water management requirement and low CO tolerance. Polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes offer opportunity of lower humidity requirement and high operating temperature. The proton conductivity of PBI membrane is derived from polyphosphoric acid dopings and its longevity is limited by the retention of the doping molecules. PBI doped with a number of inorganic acids has been extensively studied the last decade and the progress has been limited so far.This paper explores nanocomposite approach to help retain the doped acid molecules in PBI matrix and examine the validity of surface treated nanoparticles for promoting acid retention and proton conductivity of the PBI membrane.

Development of low-humidity high-temperature proton conducting membranes for PEMFC

248th National Meeting (2014)

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