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A novel unitized regenerative proton exchange membrane fuel cellA difficulty encountered in designing a unitized regenerative proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell lies in the incompatibility of electrode structures and electrocatalyst materials optimized for either of the two functions (fuel cell or electrolyzer) with the needs of the other function. This difficulty is compounded in previous regenerative fuel cell designs by the fact that water, which is needed for proton conduction in the PEM during both modes of operation, is the reactant supplied to the anode in the electrolyzer mode of operation and the product formed at the cathode in the fuel cell mode. Drawbacks associated with existing regenerative fuel cells have been addressed in work performed at Lynntech. In a first innovation, electrodes function either as oxidation electrodes (hydrogen ionization or oxygen evolution) or as reduction electrodes (oxygen reduction or hydrogen evolution) in the fuel cell and electrolyzer modes, respectively. Control of liquid water within the regenerative fuel cell has been brought about by a second innovation. A novel PEM has been developed with internal channels that permit the direct access of water along the length of the membrane. Lateral diffusion of water along the polymer chains of the PEM provides the water needed at electrode/PEM interfaces. Fabrication of the novel unitized regenerative fuel cell and results obtained on testing it will be presented.
Document ID
19950023842
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Murphy, O. J.
(Lynntech, Inc. College Station, TX, United States)
Cisar, A. J.
(Lynntech, Inc. College Station, TX, United States)
Gonzalez-Martin, A.
(Lynntech, Inc. College Station, TX, United States)
Salinas, C. E.
(Lynntech, Inc. College Station, TX, United States)
Simpson, S. F.
(Lynntech, Inc. College Station, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Lewis Research Center, Space Electrochemical Research and Technology. Abstracts
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Accession Number
95N30263
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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