1"Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)-Based Fuel Cell Material Systems" Co-Principal Investigators:

(HU) in Virginia, and Grambling State in Louisiana as well as VT and VCU. NNS and UT will be provided systems engineering analyses of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) fuel cell stacks by von Spakovsky (VT). Predictive modeling of the durability of MEA systems will be investigated by Reifsnider (VT). McGrath (VT) and Wnek (VCU) will continue to develop expertise in the synthesis and characterization of new high performance PEMs and novel improved MEAs, for UT and Dias. Modification with well dispersed inorganic acid hydrates to permit elevated temperature (120°C) operation will be pursued, coupled with strong interactions with Zawodzinski (LANL). A major feature will be a summer student exchange from VT, VCU, HU and Grambling, to provide talented assistance to LANL and other industrial partners. The program may be augmented by a complementary DOE program currently under review (Solicitation DE-PS36-00 G010500). Rationale: PEM fuel cells are environmentally attractive energy sources for applications in transportation, distributed power and portable power (1-3). However, present-day materials are inadequate and critical needs exist in R&D. (1) PEMs for improved reformate-air performance that operate at elevated temperatures are needed. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) require membranes with low methanol transport without conductivity penalties. (2) Improved MEAs: The PEM must be incorporated into MEAs, which are functional units of the FC system (1-3). Current MEA performance and lifetime are unsatisfactory. Adhesion science i