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Advancement toward Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells at Elevated Temperatures
Jin Zhang1, David Aili2, Shanfu Lu1
1Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Energy Materials and Devices & School of Space and Environment, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
Research (Washington, D.C.)
|June 23, 2020
Summary
High-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) utilize advanced composite membranes for enhanced proton conductivity. These membranes enable efficient operation at over 200°C, improving fuel cell performance and CO tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) typically operate at lower temperatures, limiting their efficiency and application scope.
- Elevating operational temperatures requires advanced materials capable of stable proton conduction at high heat.
- Phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole (PA/PBI) membranes offer potential for high-temperature operation but require further development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in materials for high-temperature PEMFCs, focusing on acid-doped PBI, inorganic proton conductors, and composite electrolytes.
- To highlight the development of composite membranes combining polymers and phosphates for improved thermal stability and conductivity.
- To discuss the potential and future directions for fuel cell technologies operating above 200°C.
Main Methods:
- Development and characterization of acid-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes.
- Investigation of phosphate-based solid inorganic proton conductors (e.g., alkali metal dihydrogen phosphates, heteropolyacids, tetravalent metal pyrophosphates, phosphosilicates).
- Fabrication and testing of organic-inorganic composite membranes, particularly those with in situ formed phosphosilicates.
Main Results:
- Composite membranes, especially PBI with in situ formed phosphosilicates, demonstrate exceptional proton conductivity stability above 200°C.
- Fuel cell tests show operational capability up to 260°C with good tolerance to 16% CO in hydrogen.
- Fast kinetics for direct methanol oxidation and feasibility of nonprecious metal catalysts were observed at elevated temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Composite membranes offer a promising pathway for developing stable and efficient high-temperature PEMFCs.
- Materials enabling operation above 200°C can significantly enhance fuel cell performance, CO tolerance, and catalyst options.
- Further exploration of phosphate immobilization and high-temperature fuel cell technologies is warranted.
