Intermediate-temperature, non-humidified proton exchange membrane fuel cell with a highly proton-conducting Fe0.4Ta0.5P2O7 electrolyte

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) operation below 100 °C causes CO poisoning of the anode catalyst and results in low reaction kinetics of the cathode catalyst. In addition, operation at high relative humidity requires a large-sized humidifier, thereby increasing the complexity of the fuel cell system. These problems can be avoided by operating fuel cells above 100 °C and under low relative humidity. We report the performance of a non-humidified hydrogen-air PEMFC using Fe0.4Ta0.5P2O7 as an electrolyte in the temperature range of 100–225 °C. The PEMFC with this electrolyte achieves open-circuit voltages of 1000 mV or higher at all temperatures tested and demonstrates decreasing voltage drop with increasing temperature. The resultant fuel cell provides a peak power density of 341 mW cm−2 at 225 °C, exhibiting stable chemical and thermal durability for 100 h. Keywords: Proton exchange membrane fuel cell, Intermediate temperature, Non-humidified condition, Proton conductor