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U.S. DOE Progress Towards Developing Low-Cost, High Performance, Durable Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell
Cassidy Houchins1, Greg J Kleen2, Jacob S Spendelow3
1SRA International, Inc., Fairfax, VA 22033, USA. cassidy.houchins@ee.doe.gov.
Membranes
|June 25, 2014
Summary
Developing advanced polymer electrolyte membranes is crucial for cost-effective fuel cells. New DOE targets focus on durable, high-performance membranes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Polymer electrolyte membranes are critical components in fuel cells, significantly impacting cost and performance.
- Current membranes face limitations in durability, cost, and operating conditions, hindering widespread adoption of fuel cell technologies.
- Membrane permeation of reactants reduces fuel cell efficiency and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss revised U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) targets for ion exchange membranes.
- To outline strategies for developing new, cost-effective fuel cell membranes.
- To highlight DOE-funded projects addressing membrane challenges for PEMFCs and DMFCs.
Main Methods:
- Review of DOE-supported research and development initiatives.
- Analysis of membrane requirements for high-temperature PEMFCs and low-permeability DMFCs.
- Discussion of strategies to improve membrane properties like ionic conductivity and durability.
Main Results:
- Revised DOE targets emphasize low cost, durability, selectivity, and high ionic conductivity.
- Focus on developing membranes for high-temperature (120 °C) PEMFC operation.
- Efforts directed towards reducing methanol permeability in DMFC membranes.
Conclusions:
- Advancements in membrane technology are essential for the commercialization of fuel cells.
- DOE-funded research is driving innovation in membrane materials for improved fuel cell performance and efficiency.
- New membranes aim to enable wider operating conditions and reduce system complexity and cost.
