An Italian national project for the development of new microporous proton membranes for DMFC

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) offer potential advantages of clean and efficient energy conversion systems for automobiles, portable applications and power generation. The main obstacles to a wide commercialisation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells are mostly related to the low proton conductivity at low relative humidity of the membranes, to their high methanol permeability and poor mechanical properties above 130°C. Accordingly, an intensive research is carried out throughout the world with the aim of developing new types of low-cost, highly-efficient proton membranes. To this goal is focused an Italian National Project granted by the Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) to the Department of Chemistry of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" who acts as a coordinator of a joint group involving 9 academic and university laboratories. The research has been addressed to: i) Nafion-modified membranes, ii) composite membranes based on ionomers different than Nafion and on a variety of suitable inorganic and/or organo-inorganic nano fillers; iii) Porous Teflon membranes filled with proton conductors of organo-inorganic type, and iv) Gel-type membranes formed by trapping acid liquid solutions into suitable polymer matrices; We report here in details the activities in progress in our laboratory aimed to the development of various type of composite, gel-type membranes. These membranes can be based on polymer blends, cross-linked polymers or polymer-ceramic composites [1-6]. Whatever the final matrix, it is desired to have a starting material showing a good film-forming capacity as well as high thermal and chemical stability. The results confirm that these membranes have improved thermal and electrochemical performance and tests in fuel cell prototypes demonstrate their practical value.