Dynamic investigation of hydrocarbon proton exchange membrane Fuel Cell

Sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) is categorized in a nonfluorinated aromatic hydrocarbon proton exchange membrane (PEM) group and considered as a suitable substitute for common per-fluorinated membranes, such as Nafion, due to wider operating temperature, less feed gas crossover, and lower cost. Since modeling results in a better understanding of a phenomenon, in this study a dynamic one-dimensional model of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of this membrane is developed. The model includes both gas and electrolyte phases. Species transfer by diffusion and convection in an intra-phase and interphases space and participate in electrochemical reactions. The catalyst layers are modeled in detail with catalyst agglomerates covered with a layer of electrolyte and feed gas transfers into the electrolyte phase by Henry’s low. Then the gas diffuses to the catalyst surface on which it reacts electrochemically. The polarization curve of this MEA obtained from the model is validated against experimental data and shows acceptable agreement. Concentration profiles in the MEA both in the gas and electrolyte phase with time are also presented as results.