International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol.39, No.19, 10245-10252, 2014
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell of polybenzimidazole electrolyte doped with phosphoric acid and antimony chloride
The proton conductivity of phosphoric acid (PA) doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane is improved through imbibing antimony pentachloride before doping PA. The antimony involvement diminishes the temperature dependence of proton conductivity in the targeted temperature range 160-260 degrees C. Among the compositions being prepared, the most conductive one exhibits 8.08 x 10(-2) S cm(-1) at 180 degrees C, with a small temperature sensitivity 6.3 x 10(-5) S cm(-1) degrees C-1. Several membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) have been prepared with the Pt/C catalyst layers to evaluate the practicality of co-doped PBI membrane. After proper activation, the hydrogen/air cell generates substantial electric power, denoted by its peak value over 500 mW cm(-2) at 180 degrees C. Impedance analysis indicates carbon monoxide poisoning affects overall MEA kinetics, as evidenced in the rising resistances of electrolyte, cathode, and anode. But the poisoned performance due to 3% CO/H-2 fuel can be rejuvenated after the fuel is switched back to pure hydrogen in one or two hours. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords:PEM fuel cell;Polybenzimidazole membrane;Antimony doping;Phosphoric acid;Carbon monoxide poisoning