Project Details
Abstract
The objective of this research is to develop nano-structured polymer/graphene solid
electrolytes for alkaline fuel cells (AFCs). Many fuels exhibit higher catalytic activity in a
high pH media and it is possible to employ less expensive non-Pt catalysts in an AFC. Along
with the wide catalyst choice, development of a cost-effective, low fuel cross-over solid
electrolyte is a key criterion for future commercialization. This proposal aims at the
development of highly conductive ultra-thin solid electrolytes with both fixed and mobile
carriers and magnetically aligned polymer/graphene composites for reducing fuel cross-over
by aligning the graphene nano-sheets.
In this research, nano-structure of organic and inorganic minor components will be analyzed
to fabricate tailor-made electrolytes for various fuels (alcohols, hydrazine, direct borate, etc.)
This proposal is a continued research from previous NSC project. In the previous years, we
have prepared poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-fumed silica, PVA-carbon nano-tubes (CNT),
PVA-Fe3O4 decorated CNT, and polybenzimidazole (PBI)/CNT composites for alkaline fuel
cell applications and obtained highest cell performance among literature data for direct
methanol alkaline fuel cells. The fuel cell voltage and power density using this electrolyte
outperformed the pristine PVA membrane and other literature data. The PI of this proposal
(Prof. S. Jessie Lue) is an internationally well-known researcher in this field. In year 2013
alone, she has publishes 12 SCI high-impact SCI papers. The highly cited top ten papers from
her group have received more than 385 citations. In this proposal it is intended to further
explore more effective electrolytes to better suit different fuels used in alkaline fuel cells.
Maintaining high conductivity via appropriate nano-channel design and suppression fuel
cross-over are the ultimate targets. The protocol developed from this research will be used as
guidelines for future material development.
Project IDs
Project ID:PB10501-2692
External Project ID:MOST103-2221-E182-064-MY3
External Project ID:MOST103-2221-E182-064-MY3
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 01/08/16 → 31/07/17 |
Keywords
- solid electrolytes
- alkaline fuel cells
- nano-structured composite membranes
- structure-property relationship
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