Mitigation of silica contamination in the simulated fuel cell environment through silica surface modification

초록

Gaskets and seals are sealing materials in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells to prevent leakage and mixing of hydrogen and oxygen. Silicone is a common material for gaskets in PEM fuel cells, but it may be decomposed in the fuel cell environment and flow into other parts of the fuel cell, affecting the performance of the fuel cell. Therefore, in this work, the effect of degradation products of commercially used silicon gaskets on the performance of PEM fuel cell was investigated. Additionally, through surface treatment of additives used in silicone, the degradations of silicone materials was mitigated. Thi work was supported by the Technology Innovation Program(20009983) funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Korea).