Advances in Proton Exchange Membrane Technology

Significant advances in low humidity and high temperature operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been achieved by using a novel polymeric composite membrane based on Nafion® perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) copolymer. A fundamental understanding of the microstructure of currently used ePTFE reinforced Nafion® perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) copolymer and how the microstructure limits the high temperature and low humidity performance is discussed. Fuel cell performance data and mechanical stability data of the new composite membrane are also presented in this paper.