Proton exchange membrane fuel cell PEMFC technology

All fuel cells for use in vehicles are based on proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology. The methanol fuel-processor fuel cell (FPFC) vehicle comprises an on-board fuel processor with downstream PEMFC. On-board methanol reforming was a development focus of industry for a number of years until around 2002. Direct-methanol fuel cells (DMFC) are no longer considered for the propulsion of commercial vehicles in the industry (see also Chapter 13). 

Other metals, the performances of which as cathodes in the electroreduction of C02 have already been described in detail, were suggested for the development stage. Thus, Delacourt et al. [87] proposed an electrochemical cell, the design of which was taken from proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology,... 

According to the electrolyte and working temperature, one distinguishes the low-temperature fuel cell technologies (i) alkaline fuel cell, AFC (70 to 80°C), (ii) proton exchange membrane fuel cell, PEMFC (70 to 80°C), (iii) phosphoric acid cell, PAFC (200°C) from the high-temperature technologies, (iv) molten carbonate fuel cell, MCFC (650 to 700°C), and (v) solid oxide fuel cell, SOFC (1000°C). 

This article provides a basic explanation of fuel cells, especially the fundamentals of proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Starting with an introduction to fuel cells, it addresses principles, materials, fuel generation processes, and future technological challenges of PEMFC. 

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are among the most promising clean power system technologies being developed for transportation applications. The introduction of this new... 

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