Novel proton exchange membrane for high temperature fuel cells

This research effort sought to demonstrate that combining select phosphonic acid additives with Nafion could improve Nafion's high temperature electrochemical performance. A 1:1 mixture of the additive with Nafion, resulted in a film that demonstrated 30% higher conductivity than a phosphoric acid equilibrated Nafion control at 175 degrees C. This improvement to the high temperature conductivity of the proton exchange membrane Nafion is without precedent. In addition, thermal analysis data of the test films suggested that the additives did not compromise the thermal stability of Nafion. The results suggest that the improved Nafion proton exchange membranes could offer superior electrochemical performance, but would retain the same degree of thermal stability as Nafion. This research could eventually lead to portable fuel cells that could oxidize unrefined hydrocarbon fuels, resulting in wider proliferation of fuel cells for portable power.