PEM-ED: Proton exchange membranes for application in medium temperature electrochemical devices

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 99.0740

Key words (English)

Fuel cells; proton exchange membranes; membrane support;
Economic Aspects; Environmental Protection; Energy Storage; Energy Transport; Energy Saving

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: ERK6-1999-00025

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.4a.8 Generic R&D activities

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: FuMA-Tech GmbH, St. Ingb (D)

Abstract (English)

Our project is centred around the development of thermally stable (up to 180-C) proton exchange membranes (PEM) for use as solid electrolytes in electrochemical devices, in particular hydrogen/oxygen (or air) fuel cells, but also electrolysers. Fuel cells need no justification as an advanced technology option to reduce the fossil fuel/nuclear energy demands needed to satisfy energy requirements over the coming decades. Adaptable to both stationary and mobile power generation, their use at higher temperatures leads to improved economy by enabling operation in combined heat/power mode, thereby supplying 'waste' heat for space heating or steam production. Use of fuel cells will lead to reduction in noise and in emissions of NOx, SOx, particulates etc., problems of particular concern to society and with clear associated public health and environment issues. In addition, polymer electrolyte membrane technology is also an option for the development of electrolyser-based oxygen concentrators supplying oxygen of high purity for medical use for patients requiring oxygen therapy.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 99.0740