Durability study of KOH doped polybenzimidazole membrane for air-breathing alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell

▶ The durability of PBI/KOH membrane for air-breathing alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell (ADEFC) was evaluated. Some satisfying primary durability results about PBI/KOH membrane were obtained. The ionic conductivity of PBI/KOH membrane didn't degrade rapidly. The interaction between PBI matrix and KOH was discussed. A possible mechanism of this interaction was also reasonably presumed. Pt-free air-breathing ADEFC with PBI/KOH membrane as electrolyte membrane can stably run for at least 336 h above 0.3V at 60 °C.