Water Transport in Polyelectrolyte Fuel Cells

Abstract

In this review, previous researches related to water transport in PEMFC are comprehensively reviewed. The state and transport mechanism of water in different components are elaborated in detail. The water transport in anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) and the novel bipolar membrane fuel cell (BPMFC) are also discussed based on the cases in PEMFC. The water transport mechanism in AEMFC and BPMFC are similar to that of PEMFC, while the water management would be much difficult since the limitation properties of anion exchange membrane. In another hand, the difference between electrode reactions and membrane interface reactions for BPMFC make the transport of water more complicated. Fully understand the water transport in membrane electrode assembly is important in the develop of novel self-humidification fuel cells. As a result, the attractive cell configuration of BPMFC would make it a potential candidate for smart self-humidification fuel cells.