Entropic Performance of Proton-Exchange Membrane through Current Density, Temperature, Pressure, Membrane Thickness and Humidity

Abstract

The fuel cell is a renewable technology which utilizes the hydrogen fuel via oxidation to generate electricity. The development of the technology is being focused on the most effective configurations of these processes to balance availability, efficiency and capacity. A meta-study has been conducted with the aim to analyze fuel cell performance was analysed of different materials such as; Solid Oxide fuel cells, Nafion and Peresulfuric acid under a series of variables: current density, temperature, pressure, membrane thickness and humidity. The reaction kinetics at high temperatures allow for greater hydrogen and oxygen permeability and solubility but are limited by proton conductivity of membrane at high temperature. From meta-study outcome, the largest improvement in current density is achieved by improving cathode polarity and membrane permeability. Optimizing H+ ion concentration is done by increasing humidity through increased pressure.