Performance of PEM fuel cell stack with hot-pressed MEA

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60461373%3A22310%2F18%3A43916113" target="_blank" >RIV/60461373:22310/18:43916113 - isvavai.cz</a>

Alternative codes found

RIV/60461373:22310/18:43916114

Result on the web

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DOI - Digital Object Identifier

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Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Performance of PEM fuel cell stack with hot-pressed MEA

Original language description

The key component of PEM fuel cell stack is the membrane- electrode assembly (MEA). MEA comprises a polymer electrolyte membrane and gas diffusion electrodes with catalytic layer (GDE). The performance of a MEA depends critically on the conductivity of membrane and activity of the catalytic layer. GDEs can be based on carbon cloth, or on carbon paper. Both materials have a different level of porosity, electric conductivity and mechanical properties. Their selection strongly depends mainly of the membrane properties. Catalytic layer is mechanically stabilized by Nafion based binder creating at the same time three-phase contact. Prepared electrodes can be assembled with the membrane either directly in the fuel cell, or by pressing them onto each side of proton exchange membrane under high pressure and temperatures (so called hot-pressed MEA). The method of the MEA preparation plays an important role in the final performance of fuel cell. Different properties of electrodes and different membrane materials, as well as parameters of MEA fabrication represent a broad field for optimization. In the present work the impact of membrane thickness on fuel cell performance and water management was investigated. Porosity and wettability of electrode material have a crucial influence on transport properties of electrodes for water and gases. Carbon paper is representative of low porosity and ohmic resistance material characterized by high rigidness. On the other hand, carbon cloth represents material with high porosity, ohmic resistance and flexibility. These parameters may influence stability of the gas diffusion electrode during pressing process. Another point represents glass transition point temperature to be approached during ho pressing and time of the hold up at this temperature impacting internal structure of the polymer. This aspect is crucial with respect to the restructuralization of the polymer. It has subsequently impact on the membrane ionic conductivity on one side and on hydrogen crossover extend on the opposite side. The target of this study is to provide more insight into above mentioned problems for the selected membranes produced by Fumatech company

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

O - Miscellaneous

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

10405 - Electrochemistry (dry cells, batteries, fuel cells, corrosion metals, electrolysis)

Project

<a href="/en/project/VI20152019018" target="_blank" >VI20152019018: Development and realization of autonomous DC power supply with hydrogen fuel cell</a><br>

Continuities

P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)

Publication year

2018

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů