%0 Journal Article
%K Mathematical model
%K Nafion
%K Contamination
%K Hydrogen Pump
%K Ion‐exchange Membrane
%K Multicomponent Diffusion Equations
%K Stefan–Maxwell Equations
%A Adam Z Weber
%A Charles Delacourt
%B Fuel Cells
%D 2008
%G eng
%N 6
%P 459 - 465
%R 10.1002/fuce.200800044
%T Mathematical Modelling of Cation Contamination in a Proton-exchange Membrane
%V 8
%8 12/2008
%! Fuel Cells
%X <p>Transport phenomena in an ion‐exchange membrane containing both H<sup>+</sup> and K<sup>+</sup> are described using multicomponent diffusion equations (Stefan–Maxwell). A model is developed for transport through a Nafion 112 membrane in a hydrogen‐pump setup. The model results are analysed to quantify the impact of cation contamination on cell potential. It is shown that limiting current densities can result due to a decrease in proton concentration caused by the build‐up of contaminant ions. An average cation concentration of 30 to 40% is required for appreciable effects to be noticed under typical steady‐state operating conditions.</p>