Novel Composite Membranes Containing Functionalised Silsesquioxanes and Ionic Liquids for High Temperature Fuel Cell Applications

	Clean Technology 2008 Chapter 5: Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technologies
	Novel Composite Membranes Containing Functionalised Silsesquioxanes and Ionic Liquids for High Temperature Fuel Cell Applications
Authors:	N. Dutta, N. Roy Choudhury, S. Subianto, M. Mistry
Affilation:	Ian Wark Research Institute, AU
Pages:	277 - 280
Keywords:	novel composite membrane, functionalised silsesquioxanes, fuel cells
Abstract:	Today most of our energy supply comes from non-renewable energy resources such as fossil fuels, but there is an increasing drive towards the use of more environmentally friendly, renewable energy source. Of these alternative energies, hydrogen fuel cells are attracting significant attention due to their potential as a “clean” fuel, and in particular the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) represent a credible alternative to fossil fuels especially in portable applications such as the automotive industry. Currently, there are significant research interest in raising the operating temperature of these PEMFCs to 120-140°C, as this increases the catalyst’s CO tolerance and improves electrode kinetics and efficiency. In our study, POSS was successfully functionalised with multiple sulfonic acid groups and when incorporated into proton conducting membranes such as NafionTM, the resultant composite membranes remained transparent and increase its glass transition temperature and introduce greater mechanical stability at high temperatures. It also showed a 20% increase in proton conductivity at room temperature and 100% relative humidity with a very small loading of POSS (1-2%).We have also incorporated ionic liquids in a suitable polymer matrix to form a novel supported liquid membrane that exhibits proton conduct in non-humidifying conditions at high temperatures.

ISBN:	1-4200-8502-0
Pages:	724
Order:	Online/Mail/Fax Ordering Options
Indexes:	Keywords, Authors, Affiliations
Up

Join Us

Featured Events

Cleantech 2013
(joint with TechConnect World)
Washington DC, May 12-15, 2013

2013 Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit & Expo
(joint with 2013 Islands & Isolated Communities Congress)
Honolulu, Hawai'i, September 9-11, 2013

2013 Defense Energy Summit
Austin, TX, November 11-13, 2013

"We've very much enjoyed being a member of CTSI. In addition to the many networking and conference opportunities, we've found the monthly newsletters to be the best consolidated source of clean technology industry information and updates on policy, grants and market intelligence."

- Patrick J. Piper, QM Power, Inc.

"Ener-G-Rotors is pleased to be a member of CTSI. CTSI has been very supportive of our efforts in clean technology, helping to connect us with key legislators, introducing us to contacts at the DOE, and providing opportunities to network with other clean technology companies."

- Michael Newell, Ener-G-Rotors, Inc.

"The Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization brings together the world's most innovative companies to provide critical thinking and technology solutions to real-world challenges."

- Dr. Ray O Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Lockheed Martin

Clean Technology 2008

Chapter 5: Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technologies

Novel Composite Membranes Containing Functionalised Silsesquioxanes and Ionic Liquids for High Temperature Fuel Cell Applications