Composite Electrolyte Membrane for Fuel Cell Phosphoric Acid Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell electrolyte membranes are inadequate in terms of phosphoric acid retention and durability, which affects the performance and longevity of high-temperature fuel cells.
Innovation Solution
A composite electrolyte membrane is developed, comprising a core electrolyte membrane with first electrolyte membranes on its surfaces, these containing phosphoric acid-based material-functional groups, enhancing phosphoric acid retention and durability through a specific manufacturing process involving thermal treatment and solvent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a high-temperature fuel cell uses phosphoric acid as an electrolyte, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but phosphoric acid retention and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte membrane consisting of a base membrane (polybenzimidazole or polyetheretherketone) combined with phosphoric acid-functionalized compounds. This composite structure allows the membrane to maintain high energy conversion efficiency while significantly improving phosphoric acid retention and durability through the synergistic interaction between the base material and the phosphoric acid-containing functional groups.
2Power
If phosphoric acid is absorbed into the electrolyte membrane, then fuel cell performance is improved, but phosphoric acid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific functional groups (such as phosphonic acid groups, carboxylic acid groups, or hydroxyl groups) at localized positions within the electrolyte membrane structure. These functional groups are strategically placed to create strong binding sites for phosphoric acid, enabling the membrane to absorb sufficient phosphoric acid for high performance while preventing leakage through localized retention zones.
3Ease of manufacture
If the electrolyte membrane structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but phosphoric acid retention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the electrolyte membrane by incorporating phosphoric acid-functionalized compounds with specific functional groups. This parameter change allows the membrane to achieve enhanced phosphoric acid retention capability without fundamentally changing the manufacturing process or structure, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving retention performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite electrolyte membrane exhibits improved phosphoric acid retention, mechanical strength, and conductivity, leading to enhanced fuel cell performance and extended lifespan, particularly in high-temperature, non-humidified conditions.
Implementation Method 1
first electrolyte membranes disposed on opposite surfaces of the core electrolyte membrane and including a compound having a phosphoric acid-based material-containing functional group
Implementation Method 2
coating a composition including a compound having a phosphoric acid-based material-containing functional group and a first solvent on a substrate and thermally treating the coated product to form a first electrolyte membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell with a controlled phosphoric acid-based material retention ratio. The composite electrolyte membrane includes an electrolyte membrane containing a compound having a phosphoric acid-based material-containing functional group. Also disclosed are a method for manufacturing the composite electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell including the composite electrolyte membrane.