Multi-Objective Optimization of Membrane Materials Selection for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell System Design

Engineers are often faced with the challenge of selecting the most suitable membrane materials during the early phase of direct methanol fuel cell system design. A decision on the final material selection can be very complex when a large number of materials and performance properties are involved. In the present study, a model based material selection method is demonstrated using the physico-chemical properties of proton exchange membranes. The data used in the selection process were collected from experimental measurements. Varieties of proton exchange polymeric composite membranes were prepared using Sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (SPEEK) and Polytrimellitic anhydride chloride-co-4, 4-methylene dianiline (PTCMA). Membrane properties including methanol permeability, water uptake, and ion exchange capacity were measured. A multi-objective optimization method was then used to find the most suitable membranes for the desired application. Results from the optimization process showed that the composite membrane with 40wt% PTCMA content is the most suitable membrane based on the selected level of relevance of the individual performance property that was measured. The result is evidenced of the suitability of the multi – objective optimization approach as a reliable method that can be used to accomplish the complex task of selecting membrane materials during fuel cell system design.