Novel Materials Process for Alcohol Based Fuel Cells: Final Report

Abstract:

<p>This report is the summation of the development programme conducted by ITM Power Plc, in conjunction with Cranfield University, to develop cheap novel materials and processes for alcohol based fuel cells. These devices are of commercial interest as they offer the prospect of power sources with a high efficiency, high energy density and rapid refuelling times for a range of electronic devices such as mobile phones , laptops and MP3 players. The market for such fuel cells is estimated to be worth &dollar;800 million by 2010.</p> <p>During this project, ITM Power have sought to take a fresh approach to the problem by developing two new categories of cheaper ion exchange membranes; thus negating the requirement for Nafion (current market dominating product). The membranes developed at ITM are based on ionic hydrophilic polymers, made by bulk co-polymerisation from solution, (henceforth referred to as 'Type 1' conductive polymers), while Cranfield University have been contracted for their expertise in imparting polymers with ionic properties through radiation grafting (henceforth referred to as 'Type 2' conductive polymers). By approaching the problem through the development of two distinct novel ion permeable membranes, the company sought to increase the chance of project success, while expanding its suite of materials.</p> <p>It was concluded that this project has been successful. The objectives were to produce cheap fuel cells using novel materials. The results demonstrate that this has been achieved using a combination of two alternative ion permeable membrane technologies.</p> This report is divided into the following sections: <ol> <li>Introduction</li> <li>Previous Work</li> <li>Methodology</li> <li>Results</li> <li>Discussion of Results</li> <li>Conclusions</li> <li>Further Work</li> <li>References</li> </ol>

Author(s):

Hyde, K. & Smith, R.