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Innovative Proton Exchange Membrane for High Temperature Reformate/Air Fuel Cells--Cape Cod Research, Inc., 19 Research Road, East Falmouth, MA 02536-4440; 508-540-4400
Mr. R. Scott Morris, Principal Investigator
Ms. Katherine D. Finnegan, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82544
Amount: $728,462
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are considered to be a good candidate for future transportation applications. The direct oxidation of reformed hydrocarbon fuels within the PEM fuel cell would allow these energy sources to be utilized in a wide array of operations. This, in turn, requires PEM operation at higher temperatures. This project will develop a novel proton exchange membrane suitable for use in PEM fuel cells at temperatures in excess of 200EC. Phase I identified promising PEM candidates. One exhibited ionic conductivity at 175EC that was more than ten times that of current technology, while maintaining satisfactory stability and oxygen diffusibility. Phase II will combine new types of ionomers with inexpensive, thermally-stable polymers to yield a composite PEM with the requisite properties. Computer simulated molecular dynamics will be used to screen the large field of prospective membrane ingredients. Test membranes will be fully characterized, and the better candidates will be tested at temperatures exceeding 200EC in single fuel cells. The successful PEM candidates will be scaled up and cost analysis studies will be performed.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: As industrialized nations become more environmentally-conscious, fossil fuels are becoming increasingly unpopular. Fuel cells offer a pollution-free alternative to the internal combustion engine and should play a key role in future automotive transportation.