Improving of alternative electrolyte for low temperature fuel cell

Fuel cells are promising energy conversion and generating system, which have more advantages such as high efficiency, low pollution, system compactness and flexibility of fuel selection at low operating temperatures. Solid acid electrolytes are anhydrous, nonpolymeric proton-conducting (solid acid) electrolytes that can operate at slightly elevated temperatures. Comparing with the traditional Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs), solid acid electrolytes can reduce or eliminate the precious metal loadings due to their relatively high operating temperatures. These temperatures additionally imply a high tolerance of the catalysts to poisons, particularly CO, in the fuel stream. Unlike hydrated sulphonated polymers such as Nafion, no water molecules are required to facilitate proton transport in the solid acids, eliminating the need for continuous humidification of reactant gases. Furthermore, anhydrous proton transport eliminates the need for auxiliary humidification equipment and impermeability of the solid acid materials provides measurably higher open circuit voltages. In this project, composite solid acid materials including weak acids will be developed as electrolyte fuel cells. These composite materials will enhance utility of solid acid fuel cells and become an alternative electrolyte for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The study will start with synthesis of 3-4 selected composite solid acid materials. Structure and enhancement in thermal stability of the synthesized composite materials will be characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differantial Thermal Analysis (DTA) techniques.