A Mesothermal Fuel Cell using Diethylmethylammonium Trifluoromethanesulfonate Absorbed Membrane with H₃PO₄ Addition and Various Amount of Electrolyte Loading in Catalyst Layer

Abstract

In order to improve the fuel cell performance using a diethylmethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfate ([dema] [TfO]) absorbed sulfonated polyimide membrane, the effects of H₃PO₄ addition to the [dema] [TfO] and the loading amount of [dema] [TfO] in the gas diffusion electrode have been investigated. The ohmic resistance decreased with an increase in the [dema] [TfO] loading, which would correspond to the ohmic resistance between the electrode and the electrolyte membrane. The 5 mol% of H₃PO₄ addition enhanced the cell performance by accelerating the mass transfer, and the reaction polarization was a minimum at a 2.1 mg cm⁻² the [dema] [TfO] loading.