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Membrane Durability in a PEM Fuel Cell Studied Using PVDF Based Radiation Grafted Membranes
Author(s) -
Gode P.,
Ihonen J.,
Strandroth A.,
Ericson H.,
Lindbergh G.,
Paronen M.,
Sundholm F.,
Sundholm G.,
Walsby N.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
fuel cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.485
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1615-6854
pISSN - 1615-6846
DOI - 10.1002/fuce.200320239
Subject(s) - membrane , durability , electrolyte , materials science , chemical engineering , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , dielectric spectroscopy , polymer , styrene , degradation (telecommunications) , composite material , chemistry , electrode , electrochemistry , copolymer , computer science , biochemistry , engineering , telecommunications
The durability testing of membranes for use in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) has been studied in situ by a combination of galvanostatic steady‐state and impedance measurements. The PEFC measurements, which are time consuming, have been compared to fast ex situ testing in 3% H 2 O 2 solution. For the direct assessment of membrane degradation micro‐Raman spectroscopy and determination of ion exchange capacity (IEC) have been used. PVDF based membranes, radiation grafted with styrene and sulfonated, were used as model membranes. By using low degrees of grafting, below about 35%, the durability of this type of membrane can be increased. Degradation in the fuel cell was found to be highly localised. It was found that in situ measurements in the PEFC alone are not sufficient. Measurement of the cell resistance via impedance is not always a reliable indicator of changes in membrane resistance because other resistance changes in the cell can easily interfere and cannot be separated from those caused by the membrane. Micro‐Raman is an ideal complementary method to in situ testing, but it is time consuming. For fast pre‐screening of membrane durability mass loss measurements during exposure to 3% H 2 O 2 solution combined with the determination of changes in the IEC can be performed.