Audi Ag

Vishal Onkarmal Mittal

Robert Mason Darling

Lesia V Protsailo

Sathya Motupally

An ion exchange membrane () for a fuel cell comprises a polymer having an acid functional group normally including protons, and having alkali metal ions partially ion-exchanged with the protons of the acid functional group of the membrane. The partial ion exchange of alkali metal ions into the membrane relates either to patterning of the exchanged ion make-up of the membrane, with some being ion exchanged and some not, or to the extent or concentration of the ion exchange in any particular location, or to both.

Membrane with increased durability from partial ion exchange

An example method of controlling fluid distribution within a fuel cell includes adjusting a flow of a reactant moving within a fuel cell to increase water within a portion of the fuel cell. Another example method of controlling fluid distribution within a fuel cell includes adjusting a flow of fuel entering a fuel cell, a velocity of air entering the fuel cell, or both, so that a first amount of water exiting the fuel cell in a fuel stream is about the same as a second amount of water exiting the fuel cell in an airstream.

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Manchester, CT, United States of America

Vishal Onkarmal Mittal