Alternative proton-conducting electrolytes and their electrochemical performances

Abstract

This study was focused on the performances of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) consisting of the proton-conducting 90PVA/3PWA/4GPTMS/1P 2 O 5 /2Gl and 80PVA/10PWA/6GPTMS/2P 2 O 5 /2Gl hybrid membranes as electrolytes together with a Pt/C electrode for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The MEAs were fabricated and tested as a function of temperature and humidity, and yielded a current density value of about 350 mA cm −2 at 60°C and 100% relative humidity (RH) for the membrane electrolyte 80PVA/10PWA/6GPTMS/2P 2 O 5 /2Gl. These values were compared with Nafion® membranes, and the single-cell performances based on proton-conducting organic/inorganic hybrid electrolytes were discussed. The test conditions employed were equivalent for each MEA that had an active area of 5 cm 2 . These hybrid membranes showed a high proton conductivity in the range of 10 −3 -10 −2 S cm −1 at low temperatures, i.e., 60, 80, and 90°C, and 50%, 75%, and 100% RH.