NanoCapillary Network Proton Conducting Membranes
for PEM Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract: With the cost and demand for oil increasing while the environment suffers from the effects of our oil dependency, fuel cell research and development is one of the key research topics in material science and engineering. Improved fuel cells could help solve the problems connected with the consumption of the global crude oil reserves and lessen the environmental impact caused by transport systems and energy production. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are being developed for three main applications: transport, stationary and portable power generation. Each of these applications has their unique operating conditions in addition to material requirements. Common principles crucial to all high performance PEM s include: (i) Good mechanical and chemical stability (over long periods) in a strongly oxidative environment; (ii) High proton conductivity, which can be obtained by increasing the proton exchange capacity and the water content as well as decreasing membrane thickness; (iii) Highly permeable selectivity for non-ionized molecules and anions; and (iv) Capability for fabrication into membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs).

The most commonly used membranes for low temperature fuel cell applications are per-fluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer membranes (e.g. Nafion), composed of carbon-fluorine backbone chains with perfluoro side chains containing sulfonic acids. However, Peter Pintauro and Patrick T. Mather at Case Western Reserve University have developed a sulfonated polymer nanocapillary network PEM that is closer to meeting the USDOE 2010 target goals for fuel cell membranes.

In this seminar we will present the methods used by Peter Pintauro and Patrick T. Mather to develop a sulfonated polymer nanocapillary network PEM, as well as the results they obtained in testing this membrane, and discuss the future goals of their nanocapillary network PEM program.

Mr. James Palumbo