The Key Material Helping Fuel Cell Progress

Fluoropolymers such as PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE) play a vital role in the alternative energies sector through how the materials’ unique properties support hydrogen fuel cells efficient and reliable operation.?

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Hydrogen fuel cells operate in harsh chemical environments, involving the use of corrosive electrolytes and high-concentration hydrogen gas. Fluoropolymers offer excellent chemical resistance, protecting the fuel cell components from degradation, ensuring long-term durability. Fuel cells benefit from prevention of mechanical creep as well as chemical resistance, prolonging lifetime.?

In terms of permeability, fuel cells require a membrane that allows the selective diffusion of hydrogen ions (protons) while blocking other gases like oxygen and nitrogen. Perfluorinated ion-exchange membranes (PEM), which are based on fluoropolymers, possess high proton conductivity and low hydrogen crossover, enabling efficient proton exchange and preventing fuel leakage.?

Fluoropolymers, as contained in VERSIV? monolayer films, exhibit exceptional mechanical strength and dimensional stability, which is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of fuel cell components under varying operating conditions, including temperature and pressure changes.?

Some hydrogen fuel cells, such as high-temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cells, operate at elevated temperatures to enhance performance. Fluoropolymers can withstand these higher temperatures, making them suitable for use in such fuel cell designs.?

Because of stringent operating conditions encountered, there are no alternative materials yet that can replace fluoropolymers in hydrogen fuel cell structure in the near future.?