Technological aspects in synthesis and characterization of proton conducting polyetheretherketone (PEEK) membranes for fuel cell applications.

Abstract

The research on ion-exchange membranes has grown considerably in recent years with the growing interest in fuel cell technology for the automotive and portable applications. The requirements for a fuel cell membrane are the following: high chemical stability, high proton conductivity, low fuel and oxygen permeabilities and preferentially low cost. The dependence of the membrane morphology, mechanical and electrical properties on preparation conditions have been studied by using spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. The membrane tests in direct methanol fuel cell are provided.