A low-cost PTFE-reinforced integral multilayered self-humidifying membrane for PEM fuel cells

A low-cost polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-reinforced integral multilayered self-humidifying membrane Pt-C/sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)/PTFE/Nafion was developed for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The membrane was based on a thin porous PTFE film, by which a Pt/C catalyst dispersed SPEEK resin (as the self-humdifying layer) and a small quantity of Nafion resin (as the antidegradation layer) on each side are bonded. The porous PTFE film tightly bonds with the SPEEK and Nafion resins to form an integral membrane and, accordingly, prevents delamination of the two different resins. Energy dispersive spectroscopy measurements were conducted to characterize the membrane structure. The single cell test of the self-humidifying membrane indicated its self-humidifying function. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.