Non-fluorinated membranes thickness effect on the DMFC performance

Abstract

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.