In 1990, working with Professor Ernest Yeager, we proposed a simple idea of increasing methanol fuel cell efficiency by increasing the operating temperature. Of course, to do this required new polymer electrolytes that could conduct protons at very low water content. Several polymer approaches were suggested, and a multi-year grant from DARPA allowed us to pursue these polymer studies as well as explore new catalysts, and to integrate the materials into actual fuel cells. Of all the polymer materials examined, the PBI/acid system proved to be capable of conducting protons at high temperatures (100-200°C) with little water necessary.

Further research has tested this material in fuel cells and has examined some of the parameters and mechanisms affecting performance. Eventually we (as well as others) realized that the ability to operate at elevated temperatures was a significant advantage to achieve co-tolerance when using reformed hydrogen fuels, and for minimizing the size of necessary heat exchangers. Thus, fuel cell systems could become simpler, smaller, and less costly. Soon, researchers around the world started to examine the PBI/acid system, as well as searching for other systems that could be better performing at less cost. Our studies have continued to focus on acquiring an understanding of the proton conducting mechanism in the PBI system. Our hope is that these studies will lead us to find alternative polymer systems that can overcome some of the deficiencies of the PBI system.

During this work I learned two important, but seemingly contradictory lessons that go beyond the obvious scientific learning that have been reported in the literature. On the one hand, I learned to appreciate that a fundamental mechanistic understanding of the processes and the role of material properties in these processes can indeed be very effective at improving technical performance and can assist in scale-up challenges. However, I also learned that experimental results are not always predictable, and good observation and data from well-understood testing techniques are often the source of new technology advances. Finally, I encourage young scientists/engineers to look for simplicity and eloquence in their research. In my lengthy proposal discussions with Professor Ernest Yeager, he would refer to this as the "sparkle" of the idea.

Robert F. Savinell, Ph.D.
School of Engineering
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH, USA