Abstract
Cross‐linking of phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole membranes as
fuel cell electrolytes represents an attractive approach to improving
the mechanical robustness at a high acid loading. Numerous cross‐linking
concepts have been reported in the literature, but a deeper
understanding of how the cross‐linking chemistry affects the
physicochemical properties of the membrane and its fuel cell performance
and durability remains to be assessed. In this work, a series of
cross‐linked membranes are prepared using cross‐linking agents of
different regio‐chemistry and steric nature. It is shown, that the
nature of the cross‐linking agent has a large impact on the effective
degree of cross‐linking, which in turn determines the acid doping
characteristics and ultimately the fuel cell performance and acid
retention during long‐term operation.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Fuel Cells |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 6 |
Pages (from-to) | 688-697 |
ISSN | 1615-6846 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2018 |
Keywords
- Cross-linking
- Durability
- Fuel Cells
- Membranes
- Polybenzimidazole
- Proton Conductor