IWNET12
IWNET12
PEM fuel cells enhanced by gradient of surface energy of water in the
membrane
Michal Pavelka1,2, Franti²ek Mar²ík1,2, Tomá² N¥mec2
1 Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic
2 New Technologies  Research Centre (NTC), Pilsen, Czech Republic
Abstract
A thermodynamic theory of mixtures [1] comparable to modern theories of mixtures [2] is developed within
the framework of classical irreversible thermodynamics. Moreover, contributions of interactions between con-
stituents of the mixture to internal energy of the mixture are extracted so that their macroscopic consequences
are revealed. The theory is then applied to polymer electrolyte membranes of fuel cells. In fact, the membrane
is a porous medium in which inherent gradient of surface energy of water, induced by interaction between water
and the pores, could be present. Consequently, a model of the membrane [3] is developed within the presented
theory of mixtures, and the eect of the gradient of surface energy in the membrane is calculated. It appears
that gradient of surface energy is a very promising tool for water management in the membrane.
References
[1] based on the classical work of P. Mazur and S. R. de Groot: Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics. New York:
Dover Publications, Inc., 1984. ISBN 9780486647418.
[2] for example, K. Hutter, K. Jöhnk: Continuum Methods of Physical Modeling. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, Inc.,
2004. ISBN 0-540-20619-1.
[3] based on A. Z. Weber, J. Newman: Transport in Polymer-Electrolyte Membranes II. Mathematical Model.
J. Electrochem. Soc., 151 (2), A1311-A1325, 2004.
E-mail: michal.pavelka@email.cz

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