Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
A proton exchange membrane fuel cell, or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEM), is a device that converts chemical energy stored in a fuel (hydrogen) into electrical energy via an electrochemical reaction with oxygen. It gets its name from the proton conducting membrane, most commonly Nafion™.
PEMs currently operate in cars and buses around the world. PEMs are plagued by issues of water clogging; liquid water that is necessary to keep the membrane hydrated can build up in flow channels and prevent gas access to the electrolyte, radically reducing performance. PEMs also have problems with catalyst poisoning by impurities in the hydrogen fuel. The RPL has mostly ceased PEM research, focusing on SOFCs for these reasons.
Figure 1: PMEFC Model
