High-Temperature PEM Fuel Cells and Electrochemical Hydrogen Pumps

The higher operating temperatures of 160 °C to 200 °C in high-temperature PEM fuel cells offer several advantages over conventional PEM fuel cells. These include increased tolerance to impurities in the hydrogen, as well as simplified water management and cooling systems. The electrochemical hydrogen pump, whose system is based on a PEM fuel cell, purifies and compresses hydrogen in a single process step, promising high efficiency. 
The goal of our research is to improve the performance, efficiency, and service life of these systems through targeted material selection, design changes, and optimized operational management. To this end, we are testing new binding materials that are stable at higher temperatures and have high proton conductivity. We are also testing membranes that enable better electrolyte/acid distribution in the cell.