Composite nafion membranes based on PWA-zirconia for PEFCs operating at medium temperature

摘要

Composite inorganic/organic membranes, formed by dipsersing 10-20% w/w of a zirconium(IV) phosphotungstate powder in Nafion, have been investigated for application in PEFC fed with pure hydrogen and synthetic steam reforming. The hydrophilicity of the composite membranes was found to be higher than that of pure Nafion membranes and this allowed to increase the fuel cell efficiency above 80 degreesC. As a result, the operating temperature range has been extended to 120 degreesC. A maximum power density of 350 mW/cm(2) at 100 degreesC in SR synthetic/air at 600 mA/cm(2) has been obtained.