S053023 Control of proton flow dynamics by applying external electric field on cation exchange membrane

Abstract

In recent years ， fuel cell technologies attract much attention． It is also known that overpotentials in polymer electrolyte 血 el cells ( PEFCs ) are serious problems which decrease the energy conversion efficiency ． However ， effective solutions are required for the practical use ， In the present study ， we try to control proton flows and electric fields in membrane electrode assemblies ( MEAs ) to improve the current − voltage characteristics of PEFC ． The novel MEA ， on which addidonal silver electrodes are fabricated ， is prepared to invesdgate the effect of electric fields on proton flows through electrolyte membranes ． It is found that electric voltage losses can be suppressed by applying extemal voltages