PEM Fuel Cells (PEMFC)

Proton exchange fuel cells are the dominant fuel cell technology for transportation and small stationary applications. In a PEMFC, hydrogen fuel is oxidized at the anode where electrons are separated from protons on the surface of a precious metal catalyst. The protons pass through the membrane to the cathode side of the cell while the electrons travel in an external circuit, generating the electrical output of the cell.On the cathode side, another precious metal catalyst combines the protons and electrons with oxygen (from the air) to produce water, which is expelled as the only waste product. Precious metals are employed in both the catalysts and the cathode electrode, further driving up the cost as well as the environmental impact of an otherwise sustainable solution.

Pemion™ membranes have been developed for superior chemical stability, showing a significant increase in lifetime over perfluorinated materials in Fenton and in-system accelerated stress tests.Ionomr’s hydrocarbon membranes increase electrode lifetime as the Pemion™ ionomer allows for ultra-low loadings of precious metal catalysts. In addition, Pemion™ enables a greater maximum operational temperature and provides more than double the conductivity than the industry standard, Nafion®. These advantages provide significant reduction in capital cost and increased efficiency for overall far lower lifetime costs.