Polymer binder membrane electrode assembly

From the results of intensive research, a number of polymer membranes were reported on high proton conductivity, low methanol permeation, and water uptake but many researchers assert that additional properties should be considered. The additional properties would be (1) the relation of molecular weights and mechanical properties (e.g., tensile modulus in dried and wet states) (2) dependence of acid treatment methods after sulfonation on proton conductivity (3) introducing optimized way for membrane electrode assembly (MEA), such as proper binders for new developed polymer membranes, pressure range, temperature, and catalyst layer configurations [22,65]. 

The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is a delicate component in low-temperature fuel cells based on polymer electrolyte membranes. Its condition is affected by many factors (1) selection and preparation of MEA materials (catalysts, supporting carbon powder, membrane materials, binder for MEA hot pressing, etc.), (2) history of MEA usage, (3) fuel cell operation parameters, and so on. The resulting MEA condition exerts a strong influence on the fuel cell performance, which is also a function of running time. 

The aforementioned polymeric electrolytes have been effectively used in polymer electrolyte fuel cells operating up to In order to study the single cell performance and apart from the high ionic conductivity of the membrane, several parameters residing the MEA constmction must be taken into account in order to have optimum performance of the cell. Some of these parameters are the amount of the catalyst the ionomer-binder used at the electrodes and its percentage, electrode surface and the preparation method, pressure and the temperature of the MEA assembling and design and constmction parameters of the cell. ... 

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