New Proton Exchange Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

摘要

This three-year research program studied wholly aromatic, optionally fluorinated copolymers with the goal of establishing fundamental data about the complex relationships between PEM chemical structure, morphology, transport properties, and the performance of the DMFC fuel cell membranes. Accomplishments included the generation of lower permeability, high-power density PEM systems. Under ARO funding, we were also successful in scaling the ion containing comonomer in a single step (at the kilogram quantity or higher) as well as demonstrating viable routes for the synthesis of the desired copolymers. This funding also contributed to developing materials for the electrode catalyst layers that show competitive advantages over Nafion. MEAs were prepared, which were characterized by voltage current curves (primarily at LANL) and 300 hours stability at 80 degrees C was demonstrated.