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Proton exchange membranes for fuel cells

2022-08-26

1.1 an overview of the

The problem of energy shortage is becoming more and more serious worldwide. For the traditional fossil fuel is not renewable, and the use of the process caused serious environmental pollution. However, most of the energy conversion is achieved by the heat engine process, which is inefficient. Over the past 30 years, fossil fuels have declined and demand for clean energy has increased. It is a serious task facing human beings in the 21st century to seek for environmentally friendly renewable energy. Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems caused by traditional energy, the research on improving energy conversion efficiency and seeking clean new energy has been more and more extensive.

Fuel cell is a new type of energy technology, which directly converts the chemical energy of Fuel into electricity through electrochemical reaction. Moreover, it is not restricted by geographical and geographical conditions. In recent years, fuel cells have been developed rapidly, and have been applied in different fields.

1.2 Fuel cells

Fuel cells are not restricted by the Carnot cycle and have a high theoretical energy conversion rate (80% efficiency below 200°C). In practice, the efficiency is two to three times that of ordinary internal combustion engines. The fuel used is hydrogen, methanol, hydrocarbons and other hydrogen-rich substances, which is environmentally friendly. Therefore, fuel cells have broad application prospects. The following three aspects from the composition, classification and characteristics of fuel cells are specifically introduced:

1.2.1 Composition of fuel cells

The fuel cell is essentially a reverse device for water electrolysis. In a fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen react chemically to form water and release electricity. The basic structure of fuel cell is composed of anode, cathode and electrolyte. Usually, the anode and cathode contain a certain amount of catalyst to accelerate the electrochemical reaction at the electrode. Between the two poles are electrolytes, which can be divided into five types: basic, phosphate, solid oxide, molten carbonate and proton exchange membrane. Take an H/O fuel cell as an example (Figure 1-1) : H enters the anode part of the fuel cell, and the platinum layer on the anode converts hydrogen into protons and electrons. The intermediate electrolyte only allows protons to pass through to the cathode part of the fuel cell. Electrons flow through the outer circuit to the cathode to form a current. Oxygen goes into the cathode of the fuel cell and combines with protons and electrons to form water.


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