MANAGEMENT OF THE WATER-CONTENT IN POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANES WITH POROUS FIBER WICKS

Management of water in a solid polymer electrolyte is essential for achieving stable and high-power performance in fuel cells. Membranes with wicks have been developed, using twisted threads of porous polyester fibers to supply water directly Membrane performances were examined under fuel-cell operating conditions in comparison with conventional humidification methods. The direct supply of water through the wicks reduces the membrane resistivity and also the overpotentials for both the anode and the cathode sufficiently so that the membrane can response to quick power changes by the fuel cell. This type of membrane also may be useful for water-electrolysis cells.