Abstract
This paper and the associated presentation will describe the latest developments regarding alkaline anion exchange membrane (AAEM) fuel cells at Surrey. The program of work conducted has been targeted at the materials development of both membranes and electrodes containing alkaline ionomers and as such has focused on H-2/O-2 fuel cell testing. Radiation-grafted AAEMs can be made with fully hydrated thicknesses between 18 - 80 mu m with conductivities in water of up to 0.06 S cm(-2) at 60 degrees C. A peak power density of 230 mW cm(geo)(-2) and a maximum current density at full discharge of 1.3 A cm(geo)(-2) have been obtained in a H-2/O-2 fuel cell at 50 degrees C with a 18 mu m AAEM and Toray carbon paper based electrodes (Pt/C(20%mass), 0.5 mg(pt) cm(geo)(-2) loading) that were treated with Surrey's first generation alkaline ionomer. A future priority is the development of the next generation alkaline ionomer.