Why do PEM fuel cell membranes fail?

POLY 98

David A. Schiraldi, david.schiraldi@case.edu1, Chun Zhou, cxz20@cwru.edu1, and Thomas A. Zawodzinski Jr., taz5@po.cwru.edu2. (1) Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 2100 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106-7202, (2) Department of Chemical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, A.W. Smith Building, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-7217
Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells currently are the most commonly used technology for these energy conversion devices. Department of Energy goals for longevity for fuel cells in automotive and stationary power plant applications call for a minimum of 10,000 and 40,000 hours lifetime respectively; these targets are often difficult to obtain with current PEM products. Through careful analysis of degradation products obtained under simulated fuel cell operating conditions employing both PEM membranes and low molecular weight model compounds, a chemical mechanism for the degradation of these materials in use can be developed. Details of this mechanism can be verified using trapping experiments which intercept reactive intermediates of oxidative degradation. These experiments will be reviewed, an updated mechanism for membrane degradation presented, and suggestions for improved membranes made.
 

Entrepreneurship in Polymers for Energy and the Environment
1:30 PM-5:15 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Hilton New Orleans Riverside -- Grand Salon 18, Oral

Division of Polymer Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008