Improving the Power Density of PEM Fuel Cells

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are attractive power sources for vehicle propulsion and auxiliary power units. However, fuel cells still face significant technical and commercial barriers associated with the proton exchange membrane and the electrocatalyst. T/J Technologies, Inc., in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University, is developing polymer membranes that show improved proton conductivity over industry standard, Nafion®, over a range of temperatures and relative humidities. In addition to the high temperature membranes, we report on noble metal alloy catalysts to further reduce over-potential losses associated with the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode electrode. Advanced membranes and electrocatalysts will have a significant impact on reducing the size, weight and cost of the PEM fuel cell system.