Low-cost, high temperature membranes for PEM fuel cells

Completed

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Fuel Cells, Mobile applications)

Applied Research and Development

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr JC Frost
Johnson Matthey Plc

Standard

DTI

04 January 2005

31 August 2007

31 months

£57,632

Power

London

FCELLS

Dr JC Frost, Johnson Matthey Plc

Project Contact, University of Reading

The project aims to develop novel, low-cost, high temperature membranes for automotive fuel-cell applications. A collaborative preliminary study by the applicants has already given evidence that, as in biological materials, the functional properties of the membrane can be specified at the molecular level by controlling the sequence-distribution of the monomer units in the polymer chain. This radically new concept in ionomer-membrane design should extend the capabilities of low cost, hydrocarbon membranes very considerably: the proposed project aims to develop this approach to generate an optimum molecular design for a high-temperature fuel-cell membrane. Work at Reading University will focus on monomer- and ionomer-design, synthesis, and membrane fabrication. At Johnson Matthey the new membranes will be evaluated in membrane electrode assemblies for performance and durability in fuel-cell operation. The project is focused on membrane development for air-hydrogen fuel cells, oper at ing at temperatures significantly above the capabilities of current ionomer membranes. Total project value = 496270, DTI grant = 57632

01/01/07