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New high-temperature polymer fuel cells can operate at 80–160°C

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A new high-temperature polymer fuel cell that operates at 80–160°C, with a higher-rated power density than state-of-the-art fuel cells, solves the long-standing problem of overheating, a significant technical barrier to using medium-and heavy-duty fuel cells in transportation vehicles.

Because current fuel cells operate at 60–80°C, they require large radiators and air intakes in order to stay cool enough to operate. To resolve this issue, Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists developed a new polymer fuel cell that operates at higher temperatures.

Hot and dry conditions

Over several decades, researchers have explored fuel cells that can operate above 100°C that enable simpler fuel cell systems through better heat and water management. While additional work is needed to establish the durability required for heavy-duty applications, this research provides a solution to fabricate highly performing fuel cells under hot and dry conditions.

Proton enhances conductivity

Conventional high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells use phosphoric acid as an electrolyte at the electrode. In this research, the Los Alamos team designed a polymer electrolyte composed of a phosphonated polymer and a perfluorosulfonic acid. In this composite electrolyte structure, the team found that a proton from the perfluorosulfonic acid transfers to the phosphonated polymer and dramatically enhances proton conductivity. By implementing the composite polymer electrolyte, the researchers were able to achieve a nearly 800 milliwatts per square centimeter rated power density of the fuel cell at 160°C, which is a 60% improvement of the phosphoric acid-based fuel cells.

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HTW Editorial Team

HTW Editorial Team

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