Chemical degradation, PFSA membranes durability

In the development of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), the durability of the membrane is one of the most important issues. For automotive utilization of PEMFCs, high-temperature operations between 110 and 120°C and low-humidity conditions are required. Fot the membranes of PEMFCs, perfluOTOsulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers are extensively used owing to their considerably higher chemical stability over hydrocarbon polymers. However, conventional PFSA polymers have glass-transition temperatures around 80°C, and are subject to critical breakdown of the membrane at high tanperatures. Additionally, conventional PFSA polymers suffer from degradation under low-humidity conditions even at 80°C. 

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