APS is heavily involved in the development of high temperature membranes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Our efforts in this area are directed at developing a new membrane technology that will enable the operation of PEMFCs at higher temperatures (greater than 120° C) and at relative humidity much lower (less than 50%) than current fuel cell systems. Thus, new polymer composite materials will be developed and used to prepare proton exchange membranes that will allow the fuel cell to operate more efficiently and, thus, more economically. The anticipated cost reduction will remove one of the major barriers to the use of fuel cells in transportation applications.
APS intends to have membranes available for testing in the near term, and is actively seeking partners to commercialize this technology.
