Advanced Materials for Improved PEMFC Performance and Life

摘要

Physical and functional attributes are presented for recently developed Nafion~(~R) products that satisfy emerging Fuel Cell requirements - including stronger, more durable membranes and polymer dispersions of higher quality and consistency for catalyst inks and film formation. An overview of Nafion~(~R) chemistry and processing as well as results of recent findings related to fuel cell manufacturing and performance will be discussed. Highlights include the relationship of Nafion~(~R) dispersion properties with processing techniques and polymer aggregation, and also include discussion on membranes with improved water management and mechanical durability features via solution casting and advanced extrusion technologies, respectively. DuPont's R&D efforts in the area of membrane improvement have also shown that modified Nafion~(~R) exhibits a 56% reduction in fluoride ion generation, thus present a potential means of increasing membrane lifetime.