H3PO4 incorporated microporous hydrogel frameworks for intermediate temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Z.; Liu, L.; Yin, Y.; Feng, D.
• Is Part Of: Materials research innovations. Volume 19(2015)Supplement 7
• Page Start: 310
• Page End: 317
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Recherche -- Périodiques; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1179/1433075X14Y.0000000254
• Languages: German
• ISSNs: 1432-8917

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Microporous polyacrylamide/chitosan (PAAm/CS) matrix is employed as a placeholder for proton conductor H₃PO₄ benefiting from the adsorption of hydrogel material to H₃PO₄ aqueous solution. Prior to fabrication, closed microporous structure of PAAm/CS matrix is opened by a freeze drying process, following by being immersed three-dimensional PAAm/CS in concentrated H₃PO₄ aqueous solutions. Anhydrous H₃PO₄ incorporated PAAm/CS membranes are obtained after a dehydration process, which are used as intermediate-temperature proton exchange membranes (PEMs). The microporous structure, loading of H₃PO₄, proton conductivity, electrochemical behaviors, and fuel cell performances are systematically evaluated. Due to high H₃PO₄ loading in per volume unit of PEM and rapid proton migration, an impressive proton conductivity as high as 0.173 S cm⁻¹ at 165°C under anhydrous condition is recorded. A fuel cell using a thick PEM shows a peak power density of 615 mW cm⁻² with O₂ and H₂ as the oxidant and fuel respectively.</p> </abstract>