Design of an Experimental Test Bed for Depositing Membrane Material for High Temperature Fuel Cells

摘要

This paper describes research work associated with development of a deposition test bed for a polyphosphoric acid (PPA)-based membrane material used in high temperature fuel cells. Deposition of this material is difficult because of its high viscosity, temperature-dependent rheological properties, curing tendencies, and corrosiveness at high temperatures. In order to assess the difficulties involved with designing and implementing deposition equipment, important physical and mechanical properties of this new membrane material have been characterized. Also, due to its inherent corrosiveness, significant experimentation was conducted to determine which metallic and non-metallic materials can be in prolonged contact with the material. The rheological behavior of the solution at different concentrations of PPA was determined. Finally, the design and fabrication of a manufacturing test bed for this membrane material is described. Research is currently being conducted on different membrane manufacturing methods.