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Functionalized Inorganic Films For Ion Conduction

Technology Benefits

High operating temperature (>100˚ C)Increased membrane hydration

Technology Application

Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs)Fuel CellsBatteries

Detailed Technology Description

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have developed functionalized porous inorganic materials for use in PEMs. In preparing these new membranes, hydrophilic moieties are incorporated along the pore surfaces of the inorganic framework to increase conductivity in the membrane and enhance water retention properties. The hydrophilic nature of the porous inorganic films specifically strengthens the conductive areas of the membranes. Functionalized porous inorganic films such as these are capable of maintaining their water retention and ion-conductivity properties at elevated temperatures.

Application No.

8808807

Others

Background

One of the major focuses of research on proton exchange membranes (PEMs) has been improving proton conductivity at elevated temperatures, above 100˚ C. PEMs conventionally operate at 80˚ C or below in order for the membranes to remain hydrated and maintain their proton conductivity properties. The low limit on operating temperature has a detrimental effect on the efficiency of the electrodes due to diminished oxygen reduction kinetics and increased carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning of the electrodes. Furthermore, CO poisoning is also temperature-dependent and CO tolerance of the electrodes is raised ten-fold by increasing the operating temperature of PEMs to 150˚ C. Maintaining hydration in the fuel cell membrane at high temperatures would enhance performance and eliminate costly production steps.

 

Additional Technologies by these Inventors

• Inorganic Coploymer-Dye Composites and Dye-Doped Mesoporous Materials
• Hierarchically Ordered Porous Oxides
• Carbon Materials With Interconnected Pores
• Optimized Multiply-Functionalized Mesostructured Materials

Tech ID/UC Case

23770/2006-256-0

Related Cases

2006-256-0

*Abstract

Functionalized porous inorganic materials for use in PEMs.

*IP Issue Date

Aug 19, 2014

*Principal Investigator

Name: George Athens

Department:

Name: Bradley Chmelka

Department:

Country/Region

USA