FUEL 20 |
| Electric fields were used to control the structure of polymer composite proton conducting membranes. Under appropriate conditions, functional particles dispersed in the polymer can be aligned into chains in the direction of the applied field. The resulting composite membranes are anisotropically structured with proton conduction greatly enhanced in the alignment direction. Membranes can be formed from a nonconductive polymer, such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), containing proton conducting particles, such as sulfonated zirconium phosphate. Alignment of the particles dispersed in the polymer allows conductive membranes to be formed at lower volume fraction of particles than would be required for randomly distributed particles. Mechanical stability of composite membranes is improved as volume fraction of the additive is lowered. The resulting anisotropically structured composites have potential for use as low cost membranes with improved performance in hydrogen and direct methanol fuel cells. |
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Fuel Cell Technology: Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Systems
8:25 AM-12:00 PM, Sunday, August 19, 2007 Boston Park Plaza -- Cambridge Rm, Oral
Division of Fuel Chemistry |