Short Summary
Novel Composite
Membranes for Fuel Cells: Statement of Work
Sossina Haile
99-19
EISG Project Title: Novel Composite
Membranes for Fuel Cells
EISG Grant Number: 99-19
PIER Area: Environmentally Preferred Advanced Generation
Principal Investigator: Sossina Haile
Contact Information: (626) 395-2958 smhaile@caltech.edu
Organization: California Institute of Technology
Grant Amount: $74, 942
Grant Term: 18 Months
Project Description: The purpose of this project is to research the feasibility of fabricating an anhydrous solid acid electrolyte membrane for fuel cell applications. Subscale prototype fuel cell will be fabricated and tested.
Proposed Outcomes:
· Prototype polymer/solid acid composite membrane.
· Prototype subscale membrane electrode assembly (single cells 5 cm2).
· Feasibility assessment based on prototype performance testing.
Anticipated Benefits:
· Extends the capability of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells to operate as direct methanol fuel cells which eliminates the need for costly methanol reformers.
· Eliminates the need for costly internal water hydration system that is needed for the traditional polymer membranes thus greatly simplifying the overall fuel cell system which reduces cost.
· Enables PEM fuel cells to operate at higher more efficient temperatures.