Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells as an Electrical Power Source: Recent Developments at the University of Kansas

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are becoming more popular as an energy conversion device because its efficiency and simplicity in design and operation. Significant improvements and recent developments in the areas of water and heat management, membranes, electrode designs, and, most recently, the interdigitated flow field design, have increased greatly the attractiveness of this system. However, further improvements in the areas of performance, efficiency and costs are needed to make this system more competitive. High-power-density PEM fuel cells are being developed at the University of Kansas using new electrocatalyst supported materials, thinner and more conductive metal bipolar plates, an approach in which gas plasma etching is used to enhance the interfacial area between the membrane and the electrode, the recently developed interdigitated flow field design, and direct liquid water injection for membrane humidification. Results obtained show significant performance improvements and processing costs reduction.