Novel composite membrane-electrode assembly for high-temperature PEMFC

For the clean and efficient proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) to be commercially viable, the performance of critical components, membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) in particular, needs to be enhanced. Operating PEM fuel cell at 100-150 degrees C can improve CO tolerance, mitigate water and thermal management challenges, and enhance electrode kinetics. Extensive literature survey has showed that new cathodes as well as new membranes need to be developed for operating PEMFC at this temperature range. The approach in this study is to develop composite MEA consisting of high-temperature proton conducting phases. A 2,000 h 120 degrees C endurance testing showed that both membrane durability and cathode polarization loss need to be enhanced for achieving reasonable performance and life. An advanced MEA showed similar to 600 mV atmospheric pressure performance at 120 degrees C, atmospheric pressure and 400 mA/cm(2) for 500 hours, about 200 mV performance improvement over the baseline.