Innovative Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Boosts High-Temperature Fuel Cell Efficiency
Key Ideas
- Fuel cells using high-temperature proton exchange membranes show potential for improved efficiency in large vehicle electrification.
- Researchers from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new polymer membrane enabling fuel cell operation at temperatures up to 250°C.
- High-temperature operation simplifies water management and enhances fuel cell durability, expanding their application potential.
- The study published in Nature Energy highlights the benefits of the novel polymer electrolyte membrane for high-temperature fuel cell systems.
Hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising solution for powering large vehicles with minimal noise and high power densities. While low-temperature proton exchange membranes have advantages, they require highly pure hydrogen and complex management systems. To address these limitations, Korean researchers have created a novel polymer electrolyte membrane that can operate at temperatures exceeding 200°C. This advancement simplifies water management, enhances tolerance to impurities, and facilitates integration with high-purity fuel processing units, making fuel cells more viable for real-world applications. The membrane, based on para-PBI and cerium hydrogen phosphate, shows stability and enhanced proton transport at elevated temperatures. By enabling efficient high-temperature operation, the new membrane paves the way for improved fuel cell performance in transportation and energy sectors.