Non-fluorinated membranes thickness effect on the DMFC performance

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Freitas Silva, VSF (Author) Other; Silva, VB (Author) Other; Reissner, R (Author) Other; Vetter, S (Author) Other; Adélio Mendes (Author) FEUP; Luis Madeira (Author) FEUP; Nunes, SP (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Separation Science and Technology

Vol. 43 No. 8

Pages: 1917-1932

ISSN: 0149-6395

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 3 Citations

COMPENDEX

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Technology > Chemical technology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-Z79

DOI: 10.1080/01496390802063754

Abstract (EN): In order to study the influence of the proton exchange membrane thickness on the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) performance, sulfortated poly (ether ether ketone) (sPEEK) membranes with a sulfonation degree (SD) of 42% and thicknesses of 25, 40, and 55 pm were prepared, characterized, and tested in a DMFC. These polymeric membranes were tested in a DMFC at several temperatures by evaluating the current-voltage polarization curve, the open circuit voltage (OCV) and the constant voltage current (CV, 35 mV). The CO2 concentration at the cathode outlet was also measured. The thinnest sPEEK membrane proved to have the best DMFC performance, although having lower Faraday efficiency (lower ohmic losses but higher methanol permeation). In contrast, the thickest membrane presented improved properties in terms of methanol permeation (lower methanol crossover). DMFC tests results for this membrane showed 30% global efficiency, obtained with pure oxygen at the cathode feed.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16