Polybenzimidazole (PBI) polymers have been extensively studied for high-temperature PEM fuel cells operating at 100-200 °C. As part of our ongoing work in developing and using the sol-gel PPA process, we have been exploring the effects of chemical structure on membrane properties, including issues related to membrane stability and durability. Membranes produced from this process showed the ability to maintain high levels of phosphoric acid (PA) and high proton conductivities while simultaneously exhibiting low levels of PA loss during operation in many simulated duty cycles. In many cases, the different operating conditions of the distinct devices advocate for a specifically designed polymer structure tailored for its environment.<br/><br/>Our recent investigations have explored the use of new chemistries and reinvented processes for making PBI membranes more mechanically durable, compared with previous sol-gel-prepared membranes, while still retaining the much-desired high proton conductivity and fuel cell performance. The improved mechanical durability results in membranes that operate at temperatures above 200 °C and are suitable for higher pressure operation that may be needed in emerging fuel cell applications such as air transportation, as well as various other devices including flow batteries and electrolysis. This talk will highlight these process and chemistry modifications, delving into the high proton conductivities, enhanced thermal and mechanical properties, excellent performance in multiple devices and an expanded operating window.

Process progress produces performance prowess: New developments in polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes

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