A New Composite Proton Exchange Membrane

72955S03-I Because they produce clean power and have no moving parts, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells have great potential as a source for clean, renewable power. However, one of the current limitations of fuel cell technology is the requirement that the PEMs maintain a high level of hydration. Moisture-free conditions result in a loss of the PEM¿s ability to conduct protons, accompanied by a loss of power. This project will develop a nanomaterial-based, dry-proton-conducting membrane, suitable for use in PEM fuel cells. The membrane will have an advantage over more familiar all-polymer membranes because of its innate ability to operate in a water-free atmosphere. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of operating a PEM fuel cell stack in the absence of added moisture and at temperatures greater than 150¿C. Specific objectives include: (1) synthesizing nanomaterial-based materials, (2) fabricating proton-conducting nanomaterial-based composite membranes, (3) determining the physicochemical properties of the fabricated composite membranes, and (4) evaluating the performance of selected composite membranes in a single-cell PEM fuel cell. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should increase the applicability of fuel cells as portable power supplies for laptop computers and cell phones, public and private transportation power supplies, home/community power generation, portable generators, and ultra-compact power sources for military personnel.