Develop High-Temperature, Low-Humidity Aromatic Hydrocarbon-based H2/O2 Membranes for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells

In order to achieve high performance at acceptable cost, PEM fuel cells are required to work at elevated temperature and low relative humidity (near 0 RH) for extended periods of time. However, to date, no commercial PEMs or publicly reported PEMs can meet these requirements. The objectives of this work are: (1) to develop PEMs that have high proton conductivities (50-100 mS/cm) and low area-specific resistance (120 C) and low relative humidity (2000 hours; (2) to incorporate these membranes into membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs); and (3) to use these MEAs in the assembly of prototype fuel cells. These objectives will be achieved through utilization of the enabling proton carrier technology developed in Phase I. Thus, composite PEMs will be prepared consisting of a non aqueous proton carrier and sulfonated base polymer. The PEMs will be used in the construction of MEAs that will be incorporated in prototype fuel cells.