Patent ID: 7993791

Claim:
A self-humidifying proton exchange membrane composition for use in a fuel cell, said composition comprising: (a) a proton-conducting organic or polymer material as a matrix or binder; (b) a catalyst, 0.01 to 50% by weight, dispersed in said matrix or bonded by said binder, wherein said catalyst catalyzes a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen molecules that permeate into said membrane; and (c) a non-oxide deliquescent material, 0.01-50% by weight, dispersed in said matrix or bonded by said binder independently of said catalyst, wherein said deliquescent material captures and retains water in said membrane to facilitate proton transport therein; and wherein said deliquescent material is selected from the group consisting of zinc chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, lithium chloride, calcium bromide, potassium biphosphate, sodium formate, potassium acetate, ammonium acetate, sodium acetate, sodium silicate, magnesium acetate, potassium silicate, magnesium sulfate, cobalt chloride, bentonite, montmorillonite clay, silica gel, molecular sieve, monohydric compounds, polyhydric compounds, metal nitrate salt, sodium ethyl-sulfate organic salt, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrollidone, and combinations thereof.