The Korea Institute of Science and Technology has developed a technique that improves the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells at high temperature and zero humidity without using additional systems.
In the hydrogen vehicle industry, polymer electrolyte fuel cells are used as a type of hydrogen fuel cells and ion-exchangeable polymer membranes are used as an electrolyte in those fuel cells. The cells are characterized by being light in weight and quickly operable. In addition, the cells are expected to be used in trucks, trains and ships as well as the electrochemical reaction in the cells is accelerated at a higher temperature of operation.
One hurdle is that the polymer is exposed to moisture evaporation and a decrease in ion conductivity at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius or more. This means additional systems for cooling and moisture supply…