Temperature Controlled Stage used in the Characterisation of Novel Electrolytes for more Efficient and less Volatile Fuel Cells

摘要

Linkam Scientific Instruments report on the use of their temperature controlled stages in the study of the novel electrolytes that can be used in fuel cells. This work was carried out at the Katholic University of Leuven in Belgium. Fuel cells, and in particular polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been earmarked as highly desirable electrochemical devices that can be used to power automobiles and other such machinery. One of the key components of PEMFCs is the electrolyte which facilitates the proton transfer from the anode to the cathode. Currently, high temperature PEMFCs rely on immobilised liquid electrolytes which means that the cell is at risk of leakage and long-term instability. In the search for more durable and maintainable cells, research into all solid state PEMFCs has been grabbing the headlines. Organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) have emerged as novel solid state ion conductors.