The newly developed MEA, which uses a new fluorine-based proton-conductive polymer composite, reduces the deterioration rate from 1/100 to 1/1000 compared to the conventional MEA. 

The newly developed MEA can be operated continuously for more than 2,000 hours at a high temperature of 120 degrees Celsius
for the first time in the world. This has opened up the possibilities of applying a highly stable fluorine-based proton-conductive polymer to an MEA for automotive use which requires severe operating conditions such as high temperatures and low humidity.

The PEFC system has been receiving wide attention as a highly efficient next-generation clean energy system that emits neither carbon dioxide nor soot, and its market is estimated to bea few billion yen for the stationary type and over one hundred billion yen by 2010 for automotive use. 

While several manufacturers are already planning to market the stationary fuel cell cogeneration systems for residential use from the 2005 fiscal year, the PEFC system for automotive use still have some problems to be solved, such as durability under more severe
operating conditions, before actual commercialization. Above all, being able to operate stably in low humidity and at high temperatures of over 100 degrees Celsius is regarded to be one of the most critical issues, whereas the standard operating temperature is 70 to 80 degrees Celsius for the PEFC system.

The MEA, one of the most important components for power generation in the PEFC system, uses fluorine- or hydrocarbon-based proton-conductive polymers. Asahi Glass has been engaged in research and development of polymers and MEA for fuel cells since 1992, using its basic technology for fluorine-based proton-conductive polymer manufacturing which is acquired through the development of ion exchange membranes (FlemionTM) for chloro-alkali electrolysis. 

Compared to hydrocarbon-based proton-conductive polymers, fluorine-based proton-conductive polymers are much less likely to degrade, but on the other hand they are vulnerable to high temperature operation.

Although fluorine-based proton-conductive polymers hardly degrade, very slight decomposition does occur in severe operating conditions such as high temperatures and low humidity, and after a relatively short operation time the cell voltage drops rapidly, which has been a problem. 

In order to solve this problem, Asahi Glass has been conducting R&D at its Research Center, focusing on the following three points: development of highly thermostable fluorine-based proton-conductive polymers, development of highly durable polymer composites,
and optimization of the MEA structure to reduce polymer decomposition.

The newly developed MEA, which uses a novelly synthesized proton-conductive polymer composite, allows continuous operation for over 2,000 hours at a high temperature of 120 degrees Celsius. 

When fluorine-based proton-conductive polymers decompose, usually fluoride ions generate. 

As for the newly developed MEA, the generation rate is 1/100 to 1/1000 of that of the conventional MEAs, indicating that the newly developed MEA has a structure in which degradation is much less likely to occur. 

The newly developed MEA, therefore, is expected to substantially increase the operating temperature of the PEFC systems from the standard 70-80 degrees Celsius to higher temperatures. This can be applied to PEFC for automotive use which requires durability under high temperature and low humidity environments.

Asahi Glass will provide the new MEA samples to automotive manufacturers for evaluation. In addition to refining the MEA, Asahi Glass will establish mass production technology of monomer synthesis and polymerization that will reduce the manufacturing costs.

Asahi Glass is aiming to commercialize MEAs for PEFC within a few years based on our proprietary expertise in the MEA technology.
Contact:
Shinichi Kawakami,
General Manager, Corporate Communications Division, Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.
Person in charge: Yayoi Hatano Tel: +81-3-3218-5915 Email: info-pr@agc.co.jp?