Name: Novel two-polymer membrane boosts hydrogen fuel cell performance
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Novel two-polymer membrane boosts hydrogen fuel cell performance

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February 17, 2021by Incheon National UniversityA considerable portion of the efforts to realize a sustainable world has gone into developing hydrogen fuel cells so that a hydrogen economy can be achieved. Fuel cells have distinctive advantages: high energy-conversion efficiencies (up to 70%) and a clean by-product, water. In the past decade, anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC), which convert chemical energy to electrical energy via the transport of negatively charged ions (anions) through a membrane, have received attention due to their low-cost and relative environment friendliness compared to other types of fuel cells. But while inexpensive, AEMFCs suffer from several major drawbacks such as low ion conductivity, low chemical stability of the membrane, and an overall lower performance rate than its counterparts. Now, in a study published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, scientists from Korea report a novel membrane that is both thin and strong, and takes care of these drawbacks.To develop their membrane, the scientists used a novel method: they chemically bonded two commercially available polymers, poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) and poly(styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene) (SEBS) without using a crosslinking agent. Professor Tae-Hyun Kim from Incheon National University, who led the study, explains, "A previous study made a similar attempt to fabricate anion exchange membranes (AEMs) by crosslinking PPO and SEBS with diamine as a crosslinking agent. While the AEMs displayed excellent mechanical stability, the use of diamine could have led to different reactions other than those between PPO and SEBS, which made it difficult to control the properties of the resultant membrane. Therefore, in our study, we crosslinked PPO and SEBS without any crosslinking agent to ensure that only PPO and SEBS react with each other." The strategy used by Prof. Kim's team also involved adding a compound called triazole to PPO to increase the membrane's ion conductivity.Membranes fabricated using this method were up to 10 μm thin and had excellent mechanical strength, chemical stability, and conductivity at even a 95% room humidity. Together, these conferred a high overall performance to the membrane and to the corresponding on which the scientists tested their . When operated at 60°C, this cell exhibited stable performance for 300 hours with a maximum power density surpassing those of existing commercial AEMs and matching cutting-edge ones.Excited about the future prospects of this novel promising AEM, Prof. Kim says, "The polymer electrolyte membranes in our study can be applied not only to fuel that generate energy, but also to water electrolysis technology that produces hydrogen. Therefore, I believe this research will play a vital role in revitalizing the domestic hydrogen economy."Perhaps that clean and green world we envision is not far away!Explore furtherMore information:Seounghwa Sung et al, Preparation of crosslinker-free anion exchange membranes with excellent physicochemical and electrochemical properties based on crosslinked PPO-SEBS, Journal of Materials Chemistry A (2020).Journal information:Provided byIncheon National UniversityCitation:Novel two-polymer membrane boosts hydrogen fuel cell performance (2021, February 17)retrieved 23 February 2021from https://phys.org/news/2021-02-two-polymer-membrane-boosts-hydrogen-fuel.htmlThis document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, nopart may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.13 hours ago17 hours ago18 hours agoFeb 19, 2021Feb 19, 20214 minutes ago6 hours ago19 hours agoFeb 21, 2021Feb 21, 2021Feb 21, 2021More fromWhat do you think about this particular story?Your feedback will go directly to Science X editors.E-mail the storyNovel two-polymer membrane boosts hydrogen fuel cell performanceThis site uses cookies to assist with navigation, analyse your use of our services, and provide content from third parties.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand ourand .

February 17, 2021by Incheon National UniversityA considerable portion of the efforts to realize a sustainable world has gone into developing hydrogen fuel cells so that a hydrogen economy can be achieved. Fuel cells have distinctive advantages: high energy-conversion efficiencies (up to 70%) and a clean by-product, water. In the past decade, anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC), which convert chemical energy to electrical energy via the transport of negatively charged ions (anions) through a membrane, have received attention due to their low-cost and relative environment friendliness...

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Novel two-polymer membrane boosts hydrogen fuel cell performance

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