Smart membranes for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC)

An energy transition is required to limit global warming. Herein hydrogen has a key role for the energy storage of electricity obtained from wind-, hydro- or solar power. In a fuel cell (FC) the hydrogen is oxidized (at the anode) and oxygen is reduced (at the cathode) with the generated hydrogen ions and electrons to form water, as the by-product of hydrogen combustion. Several FC types have been developed in the past years, such as the proton exchange membrane FCs (PEMFCs). Nafion-like membranes are mostly used in PEMFC. However, during thermal degradation (mimicking high-temperature FC operation) of Nafion numerous perfluorinated compounds, such as the environmentally persistent perfluorocarboxylic acids are released in the environment. Alternatively, polybenzimidazoles (PBI) membranes could be used, which have excellent thermal stability and mechanical strength. Therefore, this study aims to develop a PBI membrane as Nafion replacement for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells with high stability and conductivity. This project aims for better understanding on how to reduce PA-leaching from the membrane.