Single Cell Performances Based Glass Composite Membrane for Low Temperature H2/O2 Fuel Cells

Abstract

Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for a low temperature H₂/O₂ fuel cell were fabricated using glass composite membrane and Pt/C electrode were evaluated by various operating condition. The stability and durability of the cell and polarization characteristics of membrane electrode assembles (MEAs) were reported. Electrochemical performances on MEAs consist of PWA {(12-tungsto(VI) phosphoric acid, n-hydrate)}/P₂O₅(phosphoric acid)/SiO₂ (TEOS, tetraethoxysilane) glass composite membrane electrolyte and Pt/C electrode have been demonstrated representing a major milestone towards developing a viable atmospheric low temperature H₂/O₂ fuel cell system. MEAs were showed good performances under various functions of the temperature and relative humidity. A maximum current density of 141 mA/cm² was obtained at 35 °C with 30% relative humidity by using a PWA/P₂O₅/SiO₂ (5/5/90 mol%) glass composite membrane and Pt/C (0.1 mg/cm²) electrode. Polarization curves were recorded and their results support the conclusions obtained from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).