UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA

Brief Description

Novel thermally and chemically stable proton-conductive membranes from porous inorganic films that possess stable water retention and ion conductivity at elevated temperatures (100º - 150º C).

Background

Among current technological challenges to the use of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) in energy application are their limited operating temperatures. The high ion conduction properties achievable using conventional polymeric PEMFC membranes depend on adequate hydration, which is difficult to maintanin at temperatures above 80º C. However, below 100º C, carbon monoxide poisoning of the anode platinum catalyst and dimisthed oxygen reduction kinetics at the cathode separately limit the performace of PEMFC assemblies.   Fuel cells that operate at higher temperatures and with low humidity would increase the efficacy and flexibility of fuel cells as a power source.

Description

Researchers at UCSB have developed novel thermally and chemically stable proton-conductive membranes from porous inorganic films that possess stable water retention and ion conductivity at elevated temperatures (100º - 150º C). Research data indicates that the hydration capacity and water retention of these novel membranes exceed those of commercially available Nafion® 117 membranes.

Advantages

• Thermally and Chemically Stable
• The novel membrane exceeds the hydration capacity and water retention of commercially available membranes

Suggested uses

Fuel Cells

PATENT STATUS

• U.S. Patent 7,014,799 issued on 21 Mar, 2006
• U.S. Patent 6,716,378 issued on 06 Apr, 2004
• U.S. Patent 6,541,539 issued on 01 Apr, 2003

INVENTORS

• Chmelka, Bradley F.
• Deng, Tao
• Feng, Pingyun
• Pine, David J.
• Stucky, Galen D.
• Whitesides, George M.
• Yang, Peidong
• Zhao, Dongyuan

Other Information

Contact

Franco Caporale/ caporale@tia.ucsb.edu / tel: 805-893-2073. Please reference Tech ID #19756.