US researchers focus on novel PEM fuel cell membrane materials

US scientists have revealed details of their current efforts in developing more effective membrane materials for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells.

Researchers from both the Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute at Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech's School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering are currently engaged in the project, which aims to develop membranes that are more durable, less expensive and can operate effectively at low humidity.

Professor Carson Meredith, whose Department of Energy-funded project will involve the analysis of thousands of potential membrane materials, commented that the development of more reliable and cheaper fuel cells depended on developing new membranes.

"Current membranes on the market are costly because they're made out of fluorinated materials as opposed to conventional hydrocarbon-based plastics," he claimed.

"Durability is another issue. Due to the harsh environment of the fuel cell, the typical lifespan for a PEM is a couple thousand hours."

Another issue receiving the attention of researchers is the current need for water in order to make the membrane work efficiently. As Professor James McGrath from Virginia Tech explains: "Up to now, a lot of water has been needed to assist the proton transfer process, but in the desert that is pretty inefficient."

His research team have developed a new polymer-based material capable of greater efficiency at lower humidity levels.

Further research is now set to focus on membrane materials that can be more easily manufactured.

© Adfero Ltd

Source: Adfero