Nonhumidified high temperature H2/Cl2 fuel cells using protic ionic liquids

An innovative electrolyte membrane concept based on the synergetic combination of porous nanofiltration (NF) membrane 81.0% in porosity containing ionic liquid trimethylammonium phosphate ([N1,1,1H]H2PO4) as an intrinsic proton conductor has been developed for H2/Cl2 fuel cell applications. This proton conducting composite membrane showed promise for operation in high temperature H2/Cl2 fuel cells under anhydrous conditions. Proton conductivity at a level of 15.0 mS cm−1 was achieved at 160 °C, as high as about 50% of that of neat ionic liquid. The single cell fabricated with the NF/[N1,1,1H]H2PO4 composite membrane gave the highest current density of 196.8 mA cm−2 at the output voltage of 0.2 V under 160 °C and nonhumidification.