초록 ▼

A self-humidifying proton exchange membrane (PEM) composition, a membrane-electrode assembly, and a fuel cell. The PEM composition comprises (a) a proton-conducting polymer; (b) a catalyst that promotes the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen molecules to generate water in the membrane, an

A self-humidifying proton exchange membrane (PEM) composition, a membrane-electrode assembly, and a fuel cell. The PEM composition comprises (a) a proton-conducting polymer; (b) a catalyst that promotes the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen molecules to generate water in the membrane, and (c) a deliquescent material dispersed in this polymer. The amount of catalyst is preferably 0.01%-50% by weight on the basis of the polymer weight. The catalyst is preferably a metal catalyst selected from the group consisting of platinum, gold, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, and mixtures and alloys thereof. Suitable deliquescent materials include, but are not limited to, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, potassium biphosphate, potassium acetate and combinations thereof. A deliquescent material absorbs and retains an essentially constant amount of moisture to keep the proton mobile in the PEM structure. The fuel cell containing such a PEM composition can be used in a higher temperature and/or lower-humidity environment.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A self-humidifying proton exchange membrane composition for use in a fuel cell, said composition comprising:(a) a proton-conducting organic or polymer material as a matrix or binder;(b) a catalyst, 0.01 to 50% by weight, dispersed in said matrix or bonded by said binder, where

What is claimed is: 1. A self-humidifying proton exchange membrane composition for use in a fuel cell, said composition comprising:(a) a proton-conducting organic or polymer material as a matrix or binder;(b) a catalyst, 0.01 to 50% by weight, dispersed in said matrix or bonded by said binder, wherein said catalyst catalyzes a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen molecules that permeate into said membrane; and(c) a non-oxide deliquescent material, 0.01-50% by weight, dispersed in said matrix or bonded by said binder independently of said catalyst, wherein said deliquescent material captures and retains water in said membrane to facilitate proton transport therein; andwherein said deliquescent material is selected from the group consisting of zinc chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, lithium chloride, calcium bromide, potassium biphosphate, sodium formate, potassium acetate, ammonium acetate, sodium acetate, sodium silicate, magnesium acetate, potassium silicate, magnesium sulfate, cobalt chloride, bentonite, montmorillonite clay, silica gel, molecular sieve, monohydric compounds, polyhydric compounds, metal nitrate salt, sodium ethyl-sulfate organic salt, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrollidone, and combinations thereof.