An Optimization Study of Nafion-1,2,3-Triazole - H3PO4 Composite Membrane for High Temperature- Non Humidity Condition of PEMFC

The proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are receiving increasing attention as one of the clean energy and suitable primary power sources for transportation and stationary applications. The proton exchange membrane of recent PEMFCs is commonly used perfluorosulfonic acid polymer membranes (e.g., Nafion). This polymeric membrane is depend on the presence of water to solvate the protons from the sulfonic acid groups. Consequently, the operational cell temperature is limited to below 100^oC. However, the PEMFC when operating at high temperature (above 120^oC) is having numerous advantages because include increased reaction kinetics, easier water management and a better tolerance to CO.

In this study, we examined Nafion-based composite membrane that can be used at high temperature and non-humidity condition. A novel Nafion-based composite membrane with 1,2,3-triazole and phosphoric acid was prepared by autoclave solution processing [1-3]. Nafion-1,2,3-triazole-H₃PO₄ (Na-Tri-PA) composite membranes were used as an electrolyte membrane for PEMFC at non-humidity condition of 150^oC. Here, we obtained homogeneous membrane as adding 1,2,3-triazole in the Na-PA membrane, and from an optimization process for MEA, Na-Tri-PA composite membrane showed the power density of about 70mW/cm².

Acknowledgements

This work was partially supported by MEXT program for development of environmental technology using nanotechnology.

[1] J. –D. Kim, M. –S. Jun, C. Nishimura, Y. –W. Choi, ECS transactions, 35, 241 (2011).

[2] J.-D. Kim, A. Suzuki, M.-S. Jun, ECS transactions, 58, 1185 (2013).

[3] M.-S. Jun, J.-D. Kim, ECS transactions, 58, 1195 (2013).