A PROTON CONDUCTIVE MEMBRANE FOR A FUEL CELL OR A REACTOR BASED ON FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY AND A METHOD FOR MAKING THE MEMBRANE

A proton conductive membrane (13) for a fuel cell or a reactor based on fuel cell technology, consists of a thin plate of by sulfonic acid modified polyacrylamide that allows for migration of protons from one side of the membrane to the other. Such a membrane is not affected by reactants that are common in DMFC cells and is not permeable to ions other than protons/hydroxonium ions and it does not conduct electrons. The sulfonic acid is preferably constituted by p-chlorobenzene sulfonic acid. As a cross-linking agent N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide is suitably used in combination with N,N,N',N'-tetramethylene diamine and the setting reaction is initiated by a peroxo salt, suitably ammonium persulfate. Preferably, the moulding of the membrane takes place in situ in the cell. This results in improved sealing as well as elimination of the risk of damages to the thin membrane in connection with the mounting thereof, and the catalyst will better "creep" into the wall of the wall of the membrane as compared to the case in connection with pressing.