SBIR Phase I: Segmented Proton Exchange Membranes with Edge Seals for Compact Fuel Cell Electrode Structures

这个小企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目将展示一种高能量密度氢/空气质子交换膜（PEM）燃料电池的设计方法。拟议的研究将展示一种创造膜的方法，与母材相结合，本质上是热塑性的，不渗透氢、氧和水，用于密封边缘。同样的膜修饰将用于制造狭窄的、相互作用的膜，作为分段的、串联的、共面燃料电池之间的非活性膜的边界。材料创新将在实际的50cm2 PEM燃料电池中进行演示，包括单个和分段。离子电导率、水和气体渗透性将被测定，以显示处理区域的失活程度。将进行拉伸强度测试，以证明结构的完整性和热粘合边缘密封的强度。PEM分段式或共面式燃料电池在需要超长总使用寿命（30,000小时）的情况下具有潜在的应用前景。住宅应用、电池更换和关键计算机和控制设施的备用电源都需要长使用寿命。

This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate a design approach for a high energy density hydrogen/air Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The proposed research will demonstrate a means of creating sections of membrane, integral with the parent material, which are thermoplastic in nature and which are impermeable to hydrogen, oxygen and water for sealing edges. The same membrane modification will be used to create narrow, inerted sections of membrane to serve as borders of inactive membrane between segmented, series-connected, coplanar fuel cells. The material innovations will be demonstrated in actual 50 cm 2 PEM fuel cells, both single and segmented. Ionic conductivity and water and gas permeability will be determined to show the extent of inactivation in treated regions. Tensile strength tests will be conducted to demonstrate the integrity of the structures and the strength of thermally bonded edge seals. PEM segmented or coplanar have potential fuel cells applications where exceptionally long total service lives (30,000 Hrs) of operating times are required. Long service life is required for residential applications, battery replacement and standby power supplies for critical computer and control facilities.