Electro-Osmosis and Water Uptake in Polymer Electrolytes in Equilibrium with Water Vapor at Low Temperatures

Kevin G. Gallagher, Bryan S. Pivovar, Thomas F. Fuller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus Citations

Abstract

Measurements of the electro-osmotic drag coefficient for Nafion® and both random and multi-block co-polymer sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (BPSH) chemistries are reported for vapor equilibrated samples below 0 °C. No significant change in the drag coefficient behavior for Nafion from that reported above 0 °C is found. However BPSH is found to have a drag coefficient of 0.4. The implication of a drag coefficient less than unity in the interpretation of conduction mechanisms is discussed. Measurements of water sorption isotherms below 0 °C are also presented. A significant reduction in the capacity of polymer electrolytes to store water below 0 °C is found. This reduced water content is a result of the lower vapor pressure of ice compared to supercooled liquid.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)297-307
Number of pages11
JournalECS Transactions
Volume16
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8, PEMFC - 214th ECS Meeting - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: 12 Oct 200817 Oct 2008

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/JA-560-45845

Keywords

  • fuel cells

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