Novel polymer electrolyte membranes for use in fuel cells

摘要

A polymer electrolyte membrane (18) composed of polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is provided. This membrane (18) exhibits low methanol crossover which translates to higher fuel and fuel cell efficiencies. A fuel cell (10) comprising a PSSA-PVDF membrane (18) is also provided. Further, methods of decreasing the fuel crossover rate, enhancing fuel cell efficiency, and enhancing electrical performance of a fuel cell are provided.