A Dusty Fluid Model to Predict Hydroxyl Ion Conductivity in Alkaline Anion Exchange Membranes

Recent advances in radiation grafting methods have made quaternary ammonium-based alkaline anion exchange membrane (AAEMs) fuel cells an attractive option for portable power applications. The alkaline environment of the AAEM provides several advantages that stem from the transport of hydroxyl ions across the membrane and the fuel flexibility this permits. However, demonstration of AAEM fuel cells has shown considerable losses in the form of activation and ohmic overpotentials. This work describes a dusty fluid model used to predict AAEM conductivities as a function of relative humidity and physical membrane description. A percolation model is used to account for the membrane structure and validated to Nafion 115 conductivity data.