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

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目将展示高能量密度氢/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方法，用于创建与母体材料一体化的膜部分，这些膜本质上是热塑性的，并且对氢，氧和水不可渗透，用于密封边缘。相同的膜改性将用于产生膜的狭窄的惰性部分，以用作分段的、串联连接的、共面的燃料电池之间的非活性膜的边界。材料创新将在实际的50厘米2 PEM燃料电池，无论是单一的和分段。将测定离子电导率以及水和气体渗透率，以显示处理区域的灭活程度。将进行拉伸强度试验，以证明结构的完整性和热粘合边缘密封的强度。PEM分段或共面具有潜在的燃料电池应用，其中需要非常长的总使用寿命（30，000小时）的操作时间。住宅应用、电池更换和关键计算机和控制设施的备用电源需要长使用寿命。

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.