Synthesis, characterization and applications of polymer membranes for high temperature fuel cells

The project deals with novel materials for an advanced polymer membrane fuel cell system, which produces electricity and heat from natural gas, biomass or other environmentally friendly fuels. The fuel cell system operates at about 200°C with a high CO-tolerance (at least 30,000 ppm). This high CO tolerance makes it possible for the fuel cell system to use reformate hydrogen obtained directly from reforming of various types of fuel. The system can therefore be used for both mobile and stationary applications with a high energy efficiency and considerably reduced emissions, compared to the present technology. As the key requisite for this technology, temperature-resisting polymers will be synthesized, membranes of the polymers will be fabricated and functionalised for creating proton conductivity. Electrochemical and fuel cell tests and other physical chemical characterizations will be carried out. Correlations between the materials structures and performances will be established. Evaluation of the materials and fabrication processes will be made.