Anion Exchange Membrane Based Fuel Cell for Transportation Applications

基于质子交换膜(PEM)的燃料电池是包括电动汽车在内的许多应用的首选动力系统，但它们需要复杂的水再循环和加湿系统才能有效运行。在电化学进行的初步实验中确定的三种阴离子交换膜构成了拟议开发新型阴离子交换膜(AEM)燃料电池的基础。这种膜具有OH离子导电性，在热碱中化学稳定，不被二氧化碳污染。预计AEM燃料电池将具有PEM燃料电池的所有优点，即不存在与电解质相关的材料问题、高功率密度和良好的可靠性。预计AEM将具有良好的水运特性，并将消除与水管理相关的一些问题，从而使系统简化。还预计，碱性电解液的优点--快速氧还原动力学和可能使用非贵金属电催化剂--将保持下去，不会出现二氧化碳不耐受的问题。其结果应该是一个简单、紧凑和高效的地面和空间电力应用电力系统。

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) based fuel cells are the power system of choice for many applications including electric vehicles, but they require complex water recirculation and humidification systems for effective operation. Three anion exchange membranes identified in preliminary experiments conducted at ElectroChem form the basis for the proposed development of novel anion exchange membrane (AEM) based fuel cells. The membranes are OH ion conductive, chemically stable in hot caustic, and are not fouled by CO2. It is anticipated that AEM fuel cells will have all the advantages of PEM fuel cells, namely, no free electrolyte-associated materials problems, high power densities, and good reliability. AEM's are expected to have favorable water transport properties and would eliminate some of the problems related to water management, resulting in system simplification. It is further anticipated that the advantages of alkaline electrolytes-- rapid oxygen reduction kinetics and the possible use of non- noble metal electrocatalysts--will be maintained without the problem of CO2 intolerance. The result should be a simple, compact, and efficient power system for terrestrial and space power applications.