| 초록 |
As oxidation-reduction cycles of fuels produce electricity in fuel cell systems, fuel cells demand strong materials against harsh electro-chemical and mechanical environments. Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), one of proton conductive fuel cells, is attracting much attention for the potential applications to the next generation mobile devices, requiring extension of power supply and swift recharging methods. However, several critical issues on catalysts, membranes, MEAs, stack and system remain towards the commercialization. Among the components, proton conducting membranes are strongly related with the power performance and operation lifetimes, because the membranes segregate both sides of electrodes, maintaining electrical potential. Consequently, the required functions of membranes are ionic conductivity, electrical insulation, gas and liquid (especially methanol) tightness, chemical and mechanical stability. Cost of and processability of membranes is also another factor to commercialization. Especially for the mobile application, membranes have additional functions regarding mass balance of liquid fuel and water management through the membrane. |
