Properties and Degradation of the Gasket Component of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell—A Review

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack requires gaskets and seals in each cell to keep the reactant gases within their respective regions. Gasket performance is integral to the successful long-term operation of a fuel cell stack. This review focuses on properties, performance and degradation mechanisms of the different polymer gasket materials used in PEM fuel cell under normal operating conditions. The different degradation mechanisms and their corresponding representative mitigation strategies are also presented here. Summary of various properties of elastomers and their advantages and disadvantages in fuel cell'environment are presented. By considering the level of chemical degradation, mechanical properties and cost effectiveness, it can be proposed that EPDM is one of the best choices for gasket material in PEM fuel cell. Finally, the challenges that remain in using rubber component as in PEM fuel cell, as well as the prospects for exploiting them in the future are discussed.

Preparation and Characterization of Tetra-Imidazolium Hydroxide Polyphenylene Membranes via Nickel Catalyzed C–C Coupling Polymerization

“…This is possibly due to the presence of conjugated imidazole rings which weakens the interaction with water molecules. In Table 1, the imidazolium-containing membranes showed less swelling than other reported anion exchange membranes containing ammonium groups (26.8%-58.8%) [32], demonstrating their high dimensional stability due to both the resonance stabilized conjugated imidazolium cations and rigid backbone. Ion conductivities of 16.8 to 30.5 mS cm −1 were observed at 80 °C and 100% relative humidity.…”

“…NMR data showed that 100% conversion to imidazolium groups occurred. This membrane's thickness was controlled by using polymer wt% solution to a thickness of 25 µm [4,32]. Usually, membranes thicker than 50 µm show poor uptake of hydroxide ions.…”

Degradation of Silicone Rubbers as Sealing Materials for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells under Temperature Cycling

“…Of different types of fuel cells developed, proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is considered to be the most promising and attractive candidate in portable and transportation applications due to the additional advantages of high energy density, fast start-ups and low operating temperature and it thus becomes the focus of research currently [3,4]. However, the durability and reliability of PEMFC are remain significant challenges for its commercial applications [5,6,7].…”

Phase Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer/Fluoroelastomer Blends

“…14 수소연료전지 스택용 개스킷 재료는 일반적으로 불소고무 (FKM), 실리콘고무(PDMS), 에틸렌-프로필렌 고무(EPDM)가 널리 검토되고 있다. 15,16 FKM은 결합 에너지가 강한 C-F 화 학 구조에 의해 내열성, 내화학성, 내오존성 및 내후성이 뛰 어나기 때문에 강산성 및 고온에서 장기간 견뎌야하는 연료 전지의 개스킷에 사용하기 매우 적절한 조건을 가지고 있다. 그러나 FKM은 고가이고 내한성 및 가공성이 취약하여 대량 생산에 필수적인 사출가공에 취약하다.…”

“…[17][18][19][20] PDMS는 Si-O 구 조인 무기물로 이루어져 있기 때문에 산화 안정성, 내열성, 가공성, 전기적 특성이 우수하나 영구압축줄음률, 내산성, 기 계적 물성이 좋지 않다. 15,21 EPDM은 에틸렌과 프로필렌, 디 엔이 불규칙적으로 결합한 삼원중합체로 내한성, 내후성, 내 절연성, 내오존성 등이 우수하나 내유성, 내용제성, 점착성이 열세인 단점이 있다. [18][19][20][21][22][23] 이러한 각 고무의 단점들을 보완하 기 위한 방법으로 고분자 블렌드에 대한 연구 및 응용이 활 발히 이루어지고 있다.…”