New design for fuel cell electrolytes advances net-zero carbon goals

A analysis group led by Atsushi Noro at Nagoya College in Japan has introduced a novel design idea for gas cell electrolytes, using a phosphonic acid polymer with hydrocarbon spacers. This modern idea permits gas cells to function successfully beneath high-temperature (above 100°C) and low-humidity situations, addressing essential limitations to their broader use.

The analysis has been published in ACS Utilized Polymer Supplies.

By electrochemically reacting hydrogen and oxygen, gas cells produce electrical energy whereas emitting solely water, highlighting their clear power capabilities. Nonetheless, perfluorosulfonic acid polymers, a sort of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) generally utilized in gas cells, is inflicting a backlash. The presence of PFAS within the atmosphere and their accumulation inside dwelling organisms has prompted regulatory measures in many countries.

In contrast to PFAS, phosphonic acid hydrocarbon polymers don’t include fluorine, making them much less more likely to persist within the atmosphere. These polymers additionally exhibit average chemical stability beneath high-temperature and low-humidity situations. Regardless of these benefits, poor conductivity and the hydrophilic nature of phosphonic acid teams, which magnetize water, restrict their use, probably resulting in dissolution in humid environments.

To beat these challenges, Noro launched a hydrophobic spacer between the polymer spine and the phosphonic acid teams of a phosphonic acid hydrocarbon polymer. This enabled water insolubility, chemical stability, and average conductivity, even at excessive temperatures and low humidities. Moreover, the hydrophobic spacer successfully repelled water, guaranteeing that the fabric’s stability was maintained.

The brand new membrane demonstrated considerably increased water insolubility in scorching water in comparison with polystyrene phosphonic acid membrane with out hydrophobic spacers and a commercially accessible membrane of cross-linked sulfonated polystyrene.

“Under conditions of 120°C and 20% relative humiditythe conductivity of the developed membrane reached 40 times higher than polystyrene phosphonic acid membrane and four times higher than cross-linked sulfonated polystyrene membrane,” Noro mentioned.

“Finding a fuel cell that operates under low-humidity and high-temperature conditions offers many advantages for fuel cell vehicles,” Noro continued.

“First, the reactions on the electrodes of a gas cell proceed extra quickly at increased temperatures, enhancing total efficiency of the gas cell and enhancing energy technology effectivity.

“Second, there may be diminished carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning of the electrodes, as hint quantities of CO within the hydrogen fuel are inclined to adsorb onto the catalyst at decrease temperatures, however not at increased temperatures.

“Third, the fuel cell benefits from more efficient heat dissipation at high temperatures, allowing simpler cooling system designs and no external humidification, enabling lighter and more compact systems.”

In line with the New Power and Industrial Expertise Growth Group (NEDO) Roadmap for Gas Cell and Hydrogen Expertise Growth, the proposed design idea for electrolyte membranes offered on this examine marks a serious contribution to creating next-generation gas cells that help the shift to a net-zero carbon society.

Patent functions for supplies associated to the recommended design idea have been filed in Japan and a number of other different international locations.