Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells : Materials Properties and Performance

A Detailed, Up-to-Date Treatment of Key Developments in PEMFC MaterialsThe potential to revolutionize the way we power our world

Because of its lower temperature and special polymer electrolyte membrane, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is well-suited for transportation, portable, and micro fuel cell applications. But the performance of these fuel cells critically depends on the materials used for the various cell components. Durability, water management, and reducing catalyst poisoning are important factors when selecting PEMFC materials.

Written by international PEMFC scientists and engineers from top-level organizations, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Materials Properties and Performance provides a single resource of information for understanding how to select and develop materials for improved PEMFC performance. The book focuses on the major components of the fuel cell unit, along with design and modeling aspects. It covers catalysts and catalyst layers, before discussing the key components of membranes, diffusion layers, and bipolar plates. The book also explores materials modeling for the PEMFC.

This volume assesses the current status of PEMFC fuel cell technology, research and development directions, and the scientific and engineering challenges facing the fuel cell community. It demonstrates how the production of a commercially viable PEMFC requires a compromise of materials with adequate properties, design interaction, and manufacturability.

David P. Wilkinson is a research chair in clean energy and fuel cells in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia. He also maintains an appointment with the Canadian National Research Council Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation.

Jiujun Zhang is a senior research officer and PEM catalysis core competency leader at the Canadian National Research Council Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo and the University of British Columbia.

Rob Hui is a senior research officer in high-temperature fuel cells at the Canadian National Research Council Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia and three major universities in China.

Jeffrey Fergus is a professor in the Materials Research and Education Center at Auburn University.

Xianguo Li is a professor at the University of Waterloo.