MEA development for DMFCS with radiation-grafted alkaline membranes

Completed

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Fuel Cells)

Basic and strategic applied research

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)

Not Cross-cutting

Professor RCT Slade
Chemistry
University of Surrey

Standard

EPSRC

01 January 2004

31 December 2006

36 months

£248,368

Energy

South East

Electrical Engineering Responsive -- Materials, Mechanical and Medical Eng

Professor RCT Slade, Chemistry, University of Surrey

Dr JR Varcoe, Chemistry, University of Surrey

Portable electronic devices involve rapidly increasing energy consumptions beyond levels achievable with future battery technologies. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) inherently permit superior energy densities but current generation technologies, involving acid-form membranes, exhibit performances limited by methanol crossover and poor electrochemical kinetics. Innovative operation of DMFCs with alkali-form membranes will resolve these issues. A feasibility study with a radiation-grafted alkaline membrane has demonstrated superior and stable DMFC performance (over 100 h at 80C), compared to fully developed commercial acid-form membranes, when operated at low - medium current densities proving superior electrokinetics and reduced methanol crossover. Radiation-grafted alkali membranes will be optimised in this investigation (to reduce resistance and improve cell performance at high current densities) alongside full development of alkaline membrane electrode assemblies, including electrodes containing cheap non-platinum electrocatalysts. DMFCs utilising these assemblies will be constructed and fully evaluated. The stability at 80C extends application to the automotive mass-market. Success will lead to the U.K. to be at the technological forefront of a new class of fuel cell. The proposal is a quantum-step beyond previous strategies and investment involving acid-form membranes in which the applicants have been active participants

01/01/07