Proton-exchange membrane fuel cell domain ontology
type: Ontology
version IRI: https://w3id.org/emmo/domain/pemfc/0.4.1
imports: contributors
abstract: An EMMO-based domain ontology for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells.
contributor: StephaneCotte
created: 2025-01-07
creator: FrancescaBleken
creator: JesperFriis
issued: 2025-08-07
license: legalcode
mediator: EMMC ASBL
modified: 2025-08-07
publisher: he-matchmaker.eu
status: unstable
preferred namespace prefix: pemfc
version info: 0.4.1

PEMCatalystLayer
type: Class
EMMO 967080e5 2f42 4eb2 a3a9 c58143e835f9: A layer that acts as a catalyst in a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC).
EMMO c7b62dd7 063a 4c2a 8504 42f7264ba83f: Typically platinum or a platinum alloy, this material is coated onto the electrodes and facilitates the chemical reactions of hydrogen and oxygen.

MembraneElectrodeAssembly
type: Class
subclass of: Restriction
alternative label: MEA
EMMO 967080e5 2f42 4eb2 a3a9 c58143e835f9: Main component of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), including the electrodes, electrolyte, catalyst, and gas diffusion layers.
EMMO c7b62dd7 063a 4c2a 8504 42f7264ba83f: An ink of catalyst, carbon, and electrode are sprayed or painted onto the solid electrolyte and carbon paper is hot pressed on either side to protect the inside of the cell and also act as electrodes.

GasDiffusionLayer
type: Class
alternative label: GDL
EMMO 967080e5 2f42 4eb2 a3a9 c58143e835f9: A porous layers provide pathways for gases.

PEMAnode
type: Class
EMMO 967080e5 2f42 4eb2 a3a9 c58143e835f9: The negative electrode where hydrogen gas is supplied. At the anode, hydrogen is split into protons (H⁺) and electrons (e⁻).

PEMCathode
type: Class
EMMO 967080e5 2f42 4eb2 a3a9 c58143e835f9: The positive electrode where oxygen is supplied. Protons, electrons, and oxygen combine at the cathode to produce water and heat.

BipolarPlate
type: Class
EMMO 967080e5 2f42 4eb2 a3a9 c58143e835f9: A plate that is grooved with gas flow channels.
EMMO c7b62dd7 063a 4c2a 8504 42f7264ba83f: Bipolar plates are used distribute the fuel and oxidant gases to the electrodes in fuel cells. They may also act as electrical current collectors, completing the electrical circuit.

ProtonExchangeMembraneFuelCell
type: Class
subclass of: Restriction
alternative label: PEMFC
alternative label: PolymerElectrolyteMembraneFuelCell
EMMO 50c298c2 55a2 4068 b3ac 4e948c33181f: 485-08-08
EMMO 967080e5 2f42 4eb2 a3a9 c58143e835f9: A fuel cell that splits hydrogen into protons and electrons, generating an electric current and combining the protons with oxygen to produce water.
EMMO c84c6752 6d64 48cc 9500 e54a3c34898d: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton-exchange_membrane_fuel_cell

PEMAnodicReaction
type: Class
subclass of: Restriction
EMMO 967080e5 2f42 4eb2 a3a9 c58143e835f9: Anodic reaction of a PEM fuel cell. Splits hydrogen into protons and electrons: H2 --> 2H+ + 2e-

PEMCathodicReaction
type: Class
subclass of: Restriction
EMMO 967080e5 2f42 4eb2 a3a9 c58143e835f9: Cathodic reaction of a PEM fuel cell. Creates water by reacting oxygen with protons and electrons 1/2 O2 + 2H+ + 2e- --> H2O

ProtonExchangeMembrane
type: Class
alternative label: PolymerElectrolyteMembrane
EMMO 967080e5 2f42 4eb2 a3a9 c58143e835f9: A semipermeable membrane designed to conduct protons while acting as an electronic insulator and reactant barrier, e.g. to oxygen and hydrogen gas.
EMMO c7b62dd7 063a 4c2a 8504 42f7264ba83f: A proton-exchange membrane (PEM) is generally made from ionomers.
EMMO c7b62dd7 063a 4c2a 8504 42f7264ba83f: Also known as polymer-electrolyte membrane.
EMMO c84c6752 6d64 48cc 9500 e54a3c34898d: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton-exchange_membrane