Researchers at UCSB have developed novel thermally and chemically stable proton-conductive membranes from porous inorganic films that possess stable water retention and ion conductivity at elevated temperatures (100º – 150º C). Research data indicates that the hydration capacity and water retention of these novel membranes exceed those of commercially available Nafion® 117 membranes.

File Number: 19756 

Web site: http://techtransfer.universityofcalifornia.edu/...

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Background
Among current technological challenges to the use of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) in energy application are their limited operating temperatures. The high ion conduction properties achievable using conventional polymeric PEMFC membranes depend on adequate hydration, which is difficult to maintanin at temperatures above 80º C. However, below 100º C, carbon monoxide poisoning of the anode platinum catalyst and dimisthed oxygen reduction kinetics at the cathode separately limit the performace of PEMFC assemblies.   Fuel cells that operate at higher temperatures and with low humidity would increase the efficacy and flexibility of fuel cells as a power source.