Composite Nafion Membranes based on PWA-Zirconia for PEFCs

Composite inorganic/organic membranes, formed by dipsersing 10-20% w/w of a zirconium(IV) phosphotungstate powder in Nafion, have been investigated for application in PEFC fed with pure hydrogen and synthetic steam reforming. The hydrophilicity of the composite membranes was found to be higher than that of pure Nafion membranes and this allowed to increase the fuel cell efficiency above 80 °C. As a result, the operating temperature range has been extended to 120 °C. A maximum power density of 350 mW/cm2 at 100 °C in SR synthetic /air at 600 mA/ cm2 has been obtained.