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Why is humidity / moisture control important in a Fuel Cell?

From FuelCellsEtc

The root of all of this is that Nafion membranes must stay hydrated to function properly. If they are not fully humidified the conductivity decreases and therefore more of the electricity is converted directly to heat before it even leaves the membrane (I2R heating). If it gets too dry it basically stops functioning as a proton transporter. All this sounds great since a Hydrogen Fuel Cell consumes Hydrogen and Oxygen to generate electricity and water, so you would think there should be plenty of it around right? Well there is, and that's the other problem.

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FuelCellsEtc - Nafion Membrane
Untreated Nafion Membrane used to separate the anode and cathode compartment of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells and water electrolyzers. We currently have Nafion XL, 212, 115, 117, and more... (read more)
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Now selling Gas Diffusion Electrodes (GDE)! These GDE are suitable for use in building or researching your own fuel cell MEAs. We currently offer many standard configurations. We are also able to... (read more)
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Fuel Cells Etc is proud to offer our Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) and Catalyst Coated Membranes (CCM) for all your Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells, Regenerative Fuel Cells, and... (read more)
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Protomatic has long been involved in manufacturing biofuel components for fuel cell and power distribution. We manufacture custom direct-inject biofuel components, manifolds, and covers as well as... (read more)
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Tech-Etch etches fuel cell flow field plates with channels on one or both sides. Plates range in size up to 18 by 24 inches with channel depth to .030 inches. Interlacing front and backside channels... (read more)
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