Correlation of In Situ and Ex Situ Measurements of Water Permeation Through Nafion NRE211 Proton Exchange Membranes

Water permeability at 70 degrees C is determined for Nafion NRE211 membrane exposed to either liquid or vapor phases of water. Chemical potential gradients of water across the membrane are controlled through use of differential humidity (38-100% RH) in the case of water vapor and hydraulic pressure (0-1.2 atm) in the case of liquid water. Accordingly, three types of water permeation are defined: vapor-vapor permeation, liquid-vapor permeation (LVP), and liquid-liquid permeation. The difference in chemical potentials across the membrane, and more significantly, the flux of water, is largest when the membrane is exposed to liquid on one side and vapor on the other (i.e., LVP conditions). Polarization curves and net water fluxes are reported for NRE211-based MEAs at 70 degrees C under two different operating conditions. Water permeability measurements obtained ex situ are compared to fuel cell water balance measurements obtained in situ. It is found that the magnitude of back-transport of water during fuel cell operation can be explained only by considering that the membrane is exposed to liquid on one side and vapor on the other (i.e., LVP conditions). Thus, LVP water transport is largely responsible for regulating water balance within the operating membrane electrode assembly.