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Mathematical Modelling of Cation Contamination in a Proton‐exchange Membrane
Author(s) -
Weber A. Z.,
Delacourt C.
Publication year - 2008
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.200800044
Subject(s) - limiting current , limiting , diffusion , nafion , ion exchange , proton , membrane , chemistry , contamination , ion , steady state (chemistry) , hydrogen , ion transporter , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , thermodynamics , inorganic chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , environmental chemistry , electrochemistry , physics , electrode , organic chemistry , mechanical engineering , ecology , biochemistry , quantum mechanics , biology , engineering
Transport phenomena in an ion‐exchange membrane containing both H + and K + are described using multicomponent diffusion equations (Stefan–Maxwell). A model is developed for transport through a Nafion 112 membrane in a hydrogen‐pump setup. The model results are analysed to quantify the impact of cation contamination on cell potential. It is shown that limiting current densities can result due to a decrease in proton concentration caused by the build‐up of contaminant ions. An average cation concentration of 30 to 40% is required for appreciable effects to be noticed under typical steady‐state operating conditions.