Aqueous liquid feed organic fuel cell using solid polymer electrolyte membrane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olah, George A. (Inventor); Surampudi, Subbarao (Inventor); Vamos, Eugene (Inventor); Halpert, Gerald (Inventor); Narayanan, Sekharipuram R. (Inventor); Frank, Harvey A. (Inventor); Prakash, G. K. Surya (Inventor)

1997-01-01

A liquid organic fuel cell is provided which employs a solid electrolyte membrane. An organic fuel, such as a methanol/water mixture, is circulated past an anode of a cell while oxygen or air is circulated past a cathode of the cell. The cell solid electrolyte membrane is preferably fabricated from Nafion.TM.. Additionally, a method for improving the performance of carbon electrode structures for use in organic fuel cells is provided wherein a high surface-area carbon particle/Teflon.TM.-binder structure is immersed within a Nafion.TM./methanol bath to impregnate the electrode with Nafion.TM.. A method for fabricating an anode for use in a organic fuel cell is described wherein metal alloys are deposited onto the electrode in an electro-deposition solution containing perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. A fuel additive containing perfluorooctanesulfonic acid for use with fuel cells employing a sulfuric acid electrolyte is also disclosed. New organic fuels, namely, trimethoxymethane, dimethoxymethane, and trioxane are also described for use with either conventional or improved fuel cells.

Theoretical performance of hydrogen-bromine rechargeable SPE fuel cell. [Solid Polymer Electrolyte

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savinell, R. F.; Fritts, S. D.

1988-01-01

A mathematical model was formulated to describe the performance of a hydrogen-bromine fuel cell. Porous electrode theory was applied to the carbon felt flow-by electrode and was coupled to theory describing the solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) system. Parametric studies using the numerical solution to this model were performed to determine the effect of kinetic, mass transfer, and design parameters on the performance of the fuel cell. The results indicate that the cell performance is most sensitive to the transport properties of the SPE membrane. The model was also shown to be a useful tool for scale-up studies.

High power density proton exchange membrane fuel cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murphy, Oliver J.; Hitchens, G. Duncan; Manko, David J.

1993-01-01

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells use a perfluorosulfonic acid solid polymer film as an electrolyte which simplifies water and electrolyte management. Their thin electrolyte layers give efficient systems of low weight, and their materials of construction show extremely long laboratory lifetimes. Their high reliability and their suitability for use in a microgravity environment makes them particularly attractive as a substitute for batteries in satellites utilizing high-power, high energy-density electrochemical energy storage systems. In this investigation, the Dow experimental PEM (XUS-13204.10) and unsupported high platinum loading electrodes yielded very high power densities, of the order of 2.5 W cm(exp -2). A platinum black loading of 5 mg per cm(exp 2) was found to be optimum. On extending the three-dimensional reaction zone of fuel cell electrodes by impregnating solid polymer electrolyte into the electrode structures, Nafion was found to give better performance than the Dow experimental PEM. The depth of penetration of the solid polymer electrolyte into electrode structures was 50-70 percent of the thickness of the platinum-catalyzed active layer. However, the degree of platinum utilization was only 16.6 percent and the roughness factor of a typical electrode was 274.

Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) fuel cell technology program, phase 2/2A. [testing and evaluations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

Test evaluations were performed on a fabricated single solid polymer electrolyte cell unit. The cell operated at increased current density and at higher performance levels. This improved performance was obtained through a combination of increased temperature, increased reactant pressures, improved activation techniques and improved thermal control over the baseline cell configuration. The cell demonstrated a higher acid content membrane which resulted in increased performance. Reduced catalyst loading and low cost membrane development showed encouraging results.

Planar Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell Research and Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-28

electrolyte membrane ( PEM ) fuel cells ", Applied Surface Sei., 227 (2004) 56-72. [10] Grujicic, M., and Chittajallu, K. M., "Optimization of the...cathode geometry in polymer electrolyte membrane ( PEM ) fuel cells ", Chem. Eng. Sei., 59 (2004) 5883-5895. 36 [11] Anderson, W.K., Newman, J.C., Whitfield...M., Djilali, N, Suleman, A., "Optimization of a planar self-breathing PEM fuel cell cathode", AIAA 2006-6917, 11th AIAA/ISSMO Multidisciplinary

Plasma membranes modified by plasma treatment or deposition as solid electrolytes for potential application in solid alkaline fuel cells.

PubMed

Reinholdt, Marc; Ilie, Alina; Roualdès, Stéphanie; Frugier, Jérémy; Schieda, Mauricio; Coutanceau, Christophe; Martemianov, Serguei; Flaud, Valérie; Beche, Eric; Durand, Jean

2012-07-30

In the highly competitive market of fuel cells, solid alkaline fuel cells using liquid fuel (such as cheap, non-toxic and non-valorized glycerol) and not requiring noble metal as catalyst seem quite promising. One of the main hurdles for emergence of such a technology is the development of a hydroxide-conducting membrane characterized by both high conductivity and low fuel permeability. Plasma treatments can enable to positively tune the main fuel cell membrane requirements. In this work, commercial ADP-Morgane® fluorinated polymer membranes and a new brand of cross-linked poly(aryl-ether) polymer membranes, named AMELI-32®, both containing quaternary ammonium functionalities, have been modified by argon plasma treatment or triallylamine-based plasma deposit. Under the concomitant etching/cross-linking/oxidation effects inherent to the plasma modification, transport properties (ionic exchange capacity, water uptake, ionic conductivity and fuel retention) of membranes have been improved. Consequently, using plasma modified ADP-Morgane® membrane as electrolyte in a solid alkaline fuel cell operating with glycerol as fuel has allowed increasing the maximum power density by a factor 3 when compared to the untreated membrane.

Plasma Membranes Modified by Plasma Treatment or Deposition as Solid Electrolytes for Potential Application in Solid Alkaline Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

Reinholdt, Marc; Ilie, Alina; Roualdès, Stéphanie; Frugier, Jérémy; Schieda, Mauricio; Coutanceau, Christophe; Martemianov, Serguei; Flaud, Valérie; Beche, Eric; Durand, Jean

2012-01-01

In the highly competitive market of fuel cells, solid alkaline fuel cells using liquid fuel (such as cheap, non-toxic and non-valorized glycerol) and not requiring noble metal as catalyst seem quite promising. One of the main hurdles for emergence of such a technology is the development of a hydroxide-conducting membrane characterized by both high conductivity and low fuel permeability. Plasma treatments can enable to positively tune the main fuel cell membrane requirements. In this work, commercial ADP-Morgane® fluorinated polymer membranes and a new brand of cross-linked poly(aryl-ether) polymer membranes, named AMELI-32®, both containing quaternary ammonium functionalities, have been modified by argon plasma treatment or triallylamine-based plasma deposit. Under the concomitant etching/cross-linking/oxidation effects inherent to the plasma modification, transport properties (ionic exchange capacity, water uptake, ionic conductivity and fuel retention) of membranes have been improved. Consequently, using plasma modified ADP-Morgane® membrane as electrolyte in a solid alkaline fuel cell operating with glycerol as fuel has allowed increasing the maximum power density by a factor 3 when compared to the untreated membrane. PMID:24958295

Advances in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology with low-platinum-loading electrodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srinivasan, Supramaniam; Ticianelli, E. A.; Derouin, C. R.; Redondo, A.

1987-01-01

The Gemini Space program demonstrated the first major application of fuel cell systems. Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells were used as auxiliary power sources in the spacecraft. There has been considerable progress in this technology since then, particularly with the substitution of Nafion for the polystyrene sulfonate membrane as the electrolyte. Until recently the performance was good only with high platinum loading (4 mg/sq cm) electrodes. Methods are presented to advance the technology by (1) use of low platinum loading (0.35 mg/sq cm) electrodes; (2) optimization of anode/membrane/cathode interfaces by hot pressing; (3) pressurization of reactant gases, which is most important when air is used as cathodic reactant; and (4) adequate humidification of reactant gases to overcome the water management problem. The high performance of the fuel cell with the low loading of platinum appears to be due to the extension of the three dimensional reaction zone by introduction of a proton conductor, Nafion. This was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry.

Defining the Operational Conditions for High Temperature Polymer Fuel Cells in Naval Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-31

benefits of both Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells ( PEMFCs ) and phosphoric acid fuel cell technologies: a solid polymer electrolyte, the PBI...membrane, but with higher temperature (160°C) operation. PBI membrane technology is far less developed than that for PEMFCs , but it is rapidly emerging as...how air contaminants affect the properties of proton exchange membrane fuel cells ( PEMFCs ). PEMFCs operate at 80 °C, and are the present choice of fuel

Properties of solid polymer electrolyte fluorocarbon film. [used in hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alston, W. B.

1973-01-01

The ionic fluorocarbon film used as the solid polymer electrolyte in hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells was found to exhibit delamination failures. Polarized light microscopy of as-received film showed a lined region at the center of the film thickness. It is shown that these lines were not caused by incomplete saponification but probably resulted from the film extrusion process. The film lines could be removed by an annealing process. Chemical, physical, and tensile tests showed that annealing improved or sustained the water contents, spectral properties, thermo-oxidative stability, and tensile properties of the film. The resistivity of the film was significantly decreased by the annealing process.

Rechargeable solid polymer electrolyte battery cell

DOEpatents

Skotheim, Terji

1985-01-01

A rechargeable battery cell comprising first and second electrodes sandwiching a solid polymer electrolyte comprising a layer of a polymer blend of a highly conductive polymer and a solid polymer electrolyte adjacent said polymer blend and a layer of dry solid polymer electrolyte adjacent said layer of polymer blend and said second electrode.

Solid polymer membrane program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

The results are presented for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell development program. Failure mechanism was identified and resolution of the mechanism experienced in small stack testing was demonstrated. The effect included laboratory analysis and evaluation of a matrix of configurations and operational variables for effects on the degree of hydrogen fluoride released from the cell and on the degree of blistering/delamination occurring in the reactant inlet areas of the cell and to correlate these conditions with cell life capabilities. The laboratory evaluation tests were run at conditions intended to accelerate the degradation of the solid polymer electrolyte in order to obtain relative evaluations as quick as possible. Evaluation of the resolutions for the identified failure mechanism in space shuttle configuration cell assemblies was achieved with the fabrication and life testing of two small stack buildups of four cell assemblies and eight cells each.

Cold-start characteristics of polymer electrolyte fuel cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mishler, Jeff; Mukundan, Rangachary; Wang, Yun

2010-01-01

In this paper, we investigate the electrochemical reaction kinetics, species transport, and solid water dynamics in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) during cold start. A simplitied analysis is developed to enable the evaluation of the impact of ice volume fraction on cell performance during coldstart. Supporting neutron imaging data are also provided to reveal the real-time water evolution. Temperature-dependent voltage changes due to the reaction kinetics and ohmic loss are also analyzed based on the ionic conductivity of the membrane at subfreezing temperature. The analysis is valuable for the fundamental study of PEFC cold-start.

Alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells stably working at 80 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Hanqing; Li, Qihao; Hu, Meixue; Xiao, Li; Lu, Juntao; Zhuang, Lin

2018-06-01

Alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells are a new class of polymer electrolyte fuel cells that fundamentally enables the use of nonprecious metal catalysts. The cell performance mostly relies on the quality of alkaline polymer electrolytes, including the ionic conductivity and the chemical/mechanical stability. For a long time, alkaline polymer electrolytes are thought to be too weak in stability to allow the fuel cell to be operated at elevated temperatures, e.g., above 60 °C. In the present work, we report a progress in the state-of-the-art alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology. By using a newly developed alkaline polymer electrolyte, quaternary ammonia poly (N-methyl-piperidine-co-p-terphenyl), which simultaneously possesses high ionic conductivity and excellent chemical/mechanical stability, the fuel cell can now be stably operated at 80 °C with high power density. The peak power density reaches ca. 1.5 W/cm2 at 80 °C with Pt/C catalysts used in both the anode and the cathode. The cell works stably in a period of study over 100 h.

High Temperature Polymers for use in Fuel Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peplowski, Katherine M.

2004-01-01

NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is currently working on polymers for fuel cell and lithium battery applications. The desire for more efficient, higher power density, and a lower environmental impact power sources has led to interest in proton exchanges membrane fuels cells (PEMFC) and lithium batteries. A PEMFC has many advantages as a power source. The fuel cell uses oxygen and hydrogen as reactants. The resulting products are electricity, heat, and water. The PEMFC consists of electrodes with a catalyst, and an electrolyte. The electrolyte is an ion-conducting polymer that transports protons from the anode to the cathode. Typically, a PEMFC is operated at a temperature of about 80 C. There is intense interest in developing a fuel cell membrane that can operate at higher temperatures in the range of 80 C- 120 C. Operating the he1 cell at higher temperatures increases the kinetics of the fuel cell reaction as well as decreasing the susceptibility of the catalyst to be poisoned by impurities. Currently, Nafion made by Dupont is the most widely used polymer membrane in PEMFC. Nafion does not function well above 80 C due to a significant decrease in the conductivity of the membrane from a loss of hydration. In addition to the loss of conductivity at high temperatures, the long term stability and relatively high cost of Nafion have stimulated many researches to find a substitute for Nafion. Lithium ion batteries are popular for use in portable electronic devices, such as laptop computers and mobile phones. The high power density of lithium batteries makes them ideal for the high power demand of today s advanced electronics. NASA is developing a solid polymer electrolyte that can be used for lithium batteries. Solid polymer electrolytes have many advantages over the current gel or liquid based systems that are used currently. Among these advantages are the potential for increased power density and design flexibility. Automobiles, computers, and cell phones require highly efficient power density for lowering emissions and meeting increasing consumer demands. Many of the solutions can be provided by proton exchange membrane fuel cells and lithium batteries. NASA Glenn Research Center has recognized this need, and is presently engaged in a solution. The goals for the summer include mastering synthesis techniques, understanding the reactions occurring during the synthesis, and characterizing the resulting polymer membranes using NMR, DSC, and TGA for the PEMFC and lithium batteries.

Alternative Sources of Energy - An Introduction to Fuel Cells

USGS Publications Warehouse

Merewether, E.A.

2003-01-01

Fuel cells are important future sources of electrical power and could contribute to a reduction in the amount of petroleum imported by the United States. They are electrochemical devices similar to a battery and consist of a container, an anode, a cathode, catalysts, an intervening electrolyte, and an attached electrical circuit. In most fuel cell systems, hydrogen is supplied to the anode and oxygen to the cathode which results in the production of electricity, water, and heat. Fuel cells are comparatively efficient and reliable, have no moving parts, operate without combustion, and are modular and scale-able. Their size and shape are flexible and adaptable. In operation, they are nearly silent, are relatively safe, and generally do not pollute the environment. During recent years, scientists and engineers have developed and refined technologies relevant to a variety of fuel cells. Types of fuel cells are commonly identified by the composition of their electrolyte, which could be either phosphoric acid, an alkaline solution, a molten carbonate, a solid metal oxide, or a solid polymer membrane. The electrolyte in stationary power plants could be phosphoric acid, molten carbonates, or solid metal oxides. For vehicles and smaller devices, the electrolyte could be an alkaline solution or a solid polymer membrane. For most fuel cell systems, the fuel is hydrogen, which can be extracted by several procedures from many hydrogen-bearing substances, including alcohols, natural gas (mainly methane), gasoline, and water. There are important and perhaps unresolved technical problems associated with using fuel cells to power vehicles. The catalysts required in several systems are expensive metals of the platinum group. Moreover, fuel cells can freeze and not work in cold weather and can be damaged by impacts. Storage tanks for the fuels, particularly hydrogen, must be safe, inexpensive, of a reasonable size, and contain a supply sufficient for a trip of several hundred miles. Additional major problems will be the extensive and costly changes in the national infrastructure to obtain, store, and distribute large amounts of the fuels, and in related manufacturing

Space power systems technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coulman, George A.

1994-01-01

Reported here is a series of studies which examine several potential catalysts and electrodes for some fuel cell systems, some materials for space applications, and mathematical modeling and performance predictions for some solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers. The fuel cell systems have a potential for terrestrial applications in addition to solar energy conversion in space applications. Catalysts and electrodes for phosphoric acid fuel cell systems and for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell and electrolyzer systems were examined.

Electrode assembly for use in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell

DOEpatents

Raistrick, Ian D.

1989-01-01

A gas reaction fuel cell may be provided with a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. Porous gas diffusion electrodes are formed of carbon particles supporting a catalyst which is effective to enhance the gas reactions. The carbon particles define interstitial spaces exposing the catalyst on a large surface area of the carbon particles. A proton conducting material, such as a perfluorocarbon copolymer or ruthenium dioxide contacts the surface areas of the carbon particles adjacent the interstitial spaces. The proton conducting material enables protons produced by the gas reactions adjacent the supported catalyst to have a conductive path with the electrolyte membrane. The carbon particles provide a conductive path for electrons. A suitable electrode may be formed by dispersing a solution containing a proton conducting material over the surface of the electrode in a manner effective to coat carbon surfaces adjacent the interstitial spaces without impeding gas flow into the interstitial spaces.

MEMS-based thin-film fuel cells

DOEpatents

Jankowksi, Alan F.; Morse, Jeffrey D.

2003-10-28

A micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based thin-film fuel cells for electrical power applications. The MEMS-based fuel cell may be of a solid oxide type (SOFC), a solid polymer type (SPFC), or a proton exchange membrane type (PEMFC), and each fuel cell basically consists of an anode and a cathode separated by an electrolyte layer. Additionally catalyst layers can also separate the electrodes (cathode and anode) from the electrolyte. Gas manifolds are utilized to transport the fuel and oxidant to each cell and provide a path for exhaust gases. The electrical current generated from each cell is drawn away with an interconnect and support structure integrated with the gas manifold. The fuel cells utilize integrated resistive heaters for efficient heating of the materials. By combining MEMS technology with thin-film deposition technology, thin-film fuel cells having microflow channels and full-integrated circuitry can be produced that will lower the operating temperature an will yield an order of magnitude greater power density than the currently known fuel cells.

Design and Development of a 30 Watt Solid Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Power Source Fueled with Calcium Hydride.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-12-12

hydri de and its integration with the fuel cell. I The combination of the SPE cel l with a hydride fuel offers -- comparedto batteries -- increased...demand changes without intermediate storage of hydrogen gas. In order to control the reacti on with water the hydri de is contained in a cartridge. The use

Air-cooled, hydrogen-air fuel cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shelekhin, Alexander B. (Inventor); Bushnell, Calvin L. (Inventor); Pien, Michael S. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

An air-cooled, hydrogen-air solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) fuel cell with a membrane electrode assembly operatively associated with a fluid flow plate having at least one plate cooling channel extending through the plate and at least one air distribution hole extending from a surface of the cathode flow field into the plate cooling channel.

Parasitic Currents Caused by Different Ionic and Electronic Conductivities in Fuel Cell Anodes.

PubMed

Schalenbach, Maximilian; Zillgitt, Marcel; Maier, Wiebke; Stolten, Detlef

2015-07-29

The electrodes in fuel cells simultaneously realize electric and ionic conductivity. In the case of acidic polymer electrolytes, the electrodes are typically made of composites of carbon-supported catalyst and Nafion polymer electrolyte binder. In this study, the interaction of the proton conduction, the electron conduction, and the electrochemical hydrogen conversion in such composite electrode materials was examined. Exposed to a hydrogen atmosphere, these composites displayed up to 10-fold smaller resistivities for the proton conduction than that of Nafion membranes. This effect was ascribed to the simultaneously occurring electrochemical hydrogen oxidation and evolution inside the composite samples, which are driven by different proton and electron resistivities. The parasitic electrochemical currents resulting were postulated to occur in the anode of fuel cells with polymer, solid oxide, or liquid alkaline electrolytes, when the ohmic drop of the ion conduction in the anode is higher with the anodic kinetic overvoltage (as illustrated in the graphical abstract). In this case, the parasitic electrochemical currents increase the anodic kinetic overpotential and the ohmic drop in the anode. Thinner fuel cell anodes with smaller ohmic drops for the ion conduction may reduce the parasitic electrochemical currents.

Novel, Solvent Free, Single Ion Conductive Polymer Electrolytes (Warsaw-2001)

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-10-18

application in lithium and lithium - ion batteries , characterized by limited participation of anions in the transport of electrical charge. Studies...with studies on novel chemical energy conversion and storage devices mainly lithium or lithium ion batteries and fuel cells [1]. Our work within...this part of the project dealt with these novel ideas in the field of lithium or lithium - ion batteries based on polymeric solid electrolytes. The solid

Hydrogen-oxygen proton-exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baldwin, R.; Pham, M.; Leonida, A.; Mcelroy, J.; Nalette, T.

1989-01-01

Hydrogen-oxygen solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) fuel cells and SPE electrolyzers (products of Hamilton Standard) both use a Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) as the sole electrolyte. These solid electrolyte devices have been under continuous development for over 30 years. This experience has resulted in a demonstrated ten-year SPE cell life capability under load conditions. Ultimate life of PEM fuel cells and electrolyzers is primarily related to the chemical stability of the membrane. For perfluorocarbon proton exchange membranes an accurate measure of the membrane stability is the fluoride loss rate. Millions of cell hours have contributed to establishing a relationship between fluoride loss rates and average expected ultimate cell life. This relationship is shown. Several features have been introduced into SPE fuel cells and SPE electrolyzers such that applications requiring greater than or equal to 100,000 hours of life can be considered. Equally important as the ultimate life is the voltage stability of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells and electrolyzers. Here again the features of SPE fuel cells and SPE electrolyzers have shown a cell voltage stability in the order of 1 microvolt per hour. That level of stability has been demonstrated for tens of thousands of hours in SPE fuel cells at up to 500 amps per square foot (ASF) current density.

Recent advances in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology with low platinum loading electrodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srinivasan, Supramaniam; Manko, David J.; Enayatullah, Mohammad; Appleby, A. John

1989-01-01

High power density fuel cell systems for defense and civilian applications are being developed. Taking into consideration the main causes for efficiency losses (activation, mass transport and ohmic overpotentials) the only fuel cell systems capable of achieving high power densities are the ones with alkaline and solid polymer electrolyte. High power densities (0.8 W/sq cm at 0.8 V and 1 A/sq cm with H2 and O2 as reactants), were already used in NASA's Apollo and Space Shuttle flights as auxiliary power sources. Even higher power densities (4 W/sq cm - i.e., 8 A sq cm at 0.5 V) were reported by the USAF/International Fuel Cells in advanced versions of the alkaline system. High power densities (approximately 1 watt/sq cm) in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells with ten times lower platinum loading in the electrodes (i.e., 0.4 mg/sq cm) were attained. It is now possible to reach a cell potential of 0.620 V at a current density of 2 A/sq cm and at a temperature of 95 C and pressure of 4/5 atm with H2/O2 as reactants. The slope of the linear region of the potential-current density plot for this case is 0.15 ohm-sq cm. With H2/air as reactants and under the same operating conditions, mass transport limitations are encountered at current densities above 1.4 A/sq cm. Thus, the cell potential at 1 A/sq cm with H2/air as reactants is less than that with H2/O2 as reactants by 40 mV, which is the expected value based on electrode kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction, and at 2 A/sq cm with H2/air as reactant is less than the corresponding value with H2/O2 as reactants by 250 mV, which is due to the considerably greater mass transport limitations in the former case.

Continuous process to produce lithium-polymer batteries

DOEpatents

Chern, Terry Song-Hsing; Keller, David Gerard; MacFadden, Kenneth Orville

1998-01-01

Solid polymer electrolytes are extruded with active electrode material in a continuous, one-step process to form composite electrolyte-electrodes ready for assembly into battery cells. The composite electrolyte-electrode sheets are extruded onto current collectors to form electrodes. The composite electrodes, as extruded, are electronically and ionically conductive. The composite electrodes can be overcoated with a solid polymer electrolyte, which acts as a separator upon battery assembly. The interface between the solid polymer electrolyte composite electrodes and the solid polymer electrolyte separator has low resistance.

Near-ambient solid polymer fuel cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holleck, G. L.

1993-01-01

Fuel cells are extremely attractive for extraterrestrial and terrestrial applications because of their high energy conversion efficiency without noise or environmental pollution. Among the various fuel cell systems the advanced polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells based on sulfonated fluoropolymers (e.g., Nafion) are particularly attractive because they are fairly rugged, solid state, quite conductive, of good chemical and thermal stability and show good oxygen reduction kinetics due to the low specific adsorption of the electrolyte on the platinum catalyst. The objective of this program is to develop a solid polymer fuel cell which can efficiently operate at near ambient temperatures without ancillary components for humidification and/or pressurization of the fuel or oxidant gases. During the Phase 1 effort we fabricated novel integral electrode-membrane structures where the dispersed platinum catalyst is precipitated within the Nafion ionomer. This resulted in electrode-membrane units without interfacial barriers permitting unhindered water diffusion from cathode to anode. The integral electrode-membrane structures were tested as fuel cells operating on H2 and O2 or air at 1 to 2 atm and 10 to 50 C without gas humidification. We demonstrated that cells with completely dry membranes could be self started at room temperature and subsequently operated on dry gas for extended time. Typical room temperature low pressure operation with unoptimized electrodes yielded 100 mA/cm(exp 2) at 0.5V and maximum currents over 300 mA/cm(exp 2) with low platinum loadings. Our results clearly demonstrate that operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells at ambient conditions is feasible. Optimization of the electrode-membrane structure is necessary to assess the full performance potential but we expect significant gains in weight and volume power density for the system. The reduced complexity will make fuel cells also attractive for smaller and portable power supplies and as replacement for batteries.

Novel inorganic materials for polymer electrolyte and alkaline fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadanaga, Kiyoharu

2012-06-01

Inorganic materials with high ionic conductivity must have big advantages for the thermal and long term stability when the materials are used as the electrolyte of fuel cells. In the present paper, novel ionic conductive inorganic materials for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) and all solid state alkaline fuel cells (AFCs) that have been developed by our group have been reviewed. PEFCs which can operate in temperature range from 100 to 200 °C are intensively studied because of some advantages such as reduction of CO poisoning of Pt catalyst and acceleration of electrode reactions. We showed that the fuel cells using the composite membranes prepared from phosphosilicate gel powder and polyimide precursor can operate in the temperature range from 30 to 180 °C. We also found that the inorganic-organic hybrid membranes with acid-base pairs from 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane and H2SO4 or H3PO4 show high proton conductivity under dry atmosphere, and the membranes are thermally stable at intermediate temperatures. On the other hand, because the use of noble platinum is the serious problem for the commercialization of PEFCs and because oxidation reactions are usually faster than those of acid-type fuel cells, alkaline type fuel cells, in which a nonplatinum catalyst can be used, are attractive. Recently, we have proposed an alkaline-type direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) using a natural clay electrolyte with non-platinum catalysts. So-called hydrotalcite clay, Mg-Al layered double hydroxide intercalated with CO32- (Mg-Al CO32- LDH), has been proved to be a hydroxide ion conductor. An alkalinetype DEFC using Mg-Al CO32- LDH as the electrolyte and aqueous solution of ethanol and potassium hydroxide as a source of fuel exhibited excellent electrochemical performance.

Energy Conversion Efficiency Potential for Forward-Deployed Generation Using Direct Carbon Fuel Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

fuel cells vs. DCFCs. PEMFC PAFC MCFC SOFC DCFC Electrolyte Polymer Phosphoric acid Molten car- bonate salt Ceramic Fused KNO3 Operating...air O2/air CO2/O2/air O2/air Humidified air Efficiency (Higher Heating Value [HHV]) 30–35% 40–50% 50–60% 45–55% 80% PEMFC : Proton Exchange... PEMFC proton-exchange membrane fuel cell SOFC solid oxide fuel cell SRI Statistical Research, Inc. TR technical report TRL technology readiness level

Durability and Performance of Polystyrene-b-Poly(vinylbenzyl trimethylammonium) Diblock Copolymer and Equivalent Blend Anion Exchange Membranes

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

requiring circulation of the electrolyte to filter out the carbonate solids. The superior power density of proton exchange membrane fuel cells ( PEMFC ...without requir- ing a CO2 free oxidant stream, prevented commercial develop- ment of the liquid AFC, allowing PEMFCs to dominate low temperature fuel...cell research and development. PEMFCs employ a solid acidic polymer to transport protons from anode to cathode. PEMs have been researched heavily the

ECAS Phase I fuel cell results. [Energy Conservation Alternatives Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warshay, M.

1978-01-01

This paper summarizes and discusses the fuel cell system results of Phase I of the Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS). Ten advanced electric powerplant systems for central-station baseload generation using coal were studied by NASA in ECAS. Three types of low-temperature fuel cells (solid polymer electrolyte, SPE, aqueous alkaline, and phosphoric acid) and two types of high-temperature fuel cells (molten carbonate, MC, and zirconia solid electrolyte, SE) were studied. The results indicate that (1) overall efficiency increases with fuel cell temperature, and (2) scale-up in powerplant size can produce a significant reduction in cost of electricity (COE) only when it is accompanied by utilization of waste fuel cell heat through a steam bottoming cycle and/or integration with a gasifier. For low-temperature fuel cell systems, the use of hydrogen results in the highest efficiency and lowest COE. In spite of higher efficiencies, because of higher fuel cell replacement costs integrated SE systems have higher projected COEs than do integrated MC systems. Present data indicate that life can be projected to over 30,000 hr for MC fuel cells, but data are not yet sufficient for similarly projecting SE fuel cell life expectancy.

Fuel cell ion-exchange membrane investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toy, M. S.

1972-01-01

The present deficiencies in the fluorocarbon sulfonic acid membrane used as the solid polymer electrolyte in the H2/O2 fuel cell are studied. Considered are: Adhesives selection, elastomeric formulations, scavenger exploration, and membrane characterization. The significant data are interpreted and recommendations are given for both short and long range further investigations in two of the four major areas: membrane adhesives and membrane stabilization.

Solid oxide fuel cell operable over wide temperature range

DOEpatents

Baozhen, Li; Ruka, Roswell J.; Singhal, Subhash C.

2001-01-01

Solid oxide fuel cells having improved low-temperature operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interfacial layer of terbia-stabilized zirconia is located between the air electrode and electrolyte of the solid oxide fuel cell. The interfacial layer provides a barrier which controls interaction between the air electrode and electrolyte. The interfacial layer also reduces polarization loss through the reduction of the air electrode/electrolyte interfacial electrical resistance. In another embodiment, the solid oxide fuel cell comprises a scandia-stabilized zirconia electrolyte having high electrical conductivity. The scandia-stabilized zirconia electrolyte may be provided as a very thin layer in order to reduce resistance. The scandia-stabilized electrolyte is preferably used in combination with the terbia-stabilized interfacial layer. The solid oxide fuel cells are operable over wider temperature ranges and wider temperature gradients in comparison with conventional fuel cells.

Interfacial material for solid oxide fuel cell

DOEpatents

Baozhen, Li; Ruka, Roswell J.; Singhal, Subhash C.

1999-01-01

Solid oxide fuel cells having improved low-temperature operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interfacial layer of terbia-stabilized zirconia is located between the air electrode and electrolyte of the solid oxide fuel cell. The interfacial layer provides a barrier which controls interaction between the air electrode and electrolyte. The interfacial layer also reduces polarization loss through the reduction of the air electrode/electrolyte interfacial electrical resistance. In another embodiment, the solid oxide fuel cell comprises a scandia-stabilized zirconia electrolyte having high electrical conductivity. The scandia-stabilized zirconia electrolyte may be provided as a very thin layer in order to reduce resistance. The scandia-stabilized electrolyte is preferably used in combination with the terbia-stabilized interfacial layer. The solid oxide fuel cells are operable over wider temperature ranges and wider temperature gradients in comparison with conventional fuel cells.

Continuous process to produce lithium-polymer batteries

DOEpatents

Chern, T.S.H.; Keller, D.G.; MacFadden, K.O.

1998-05-12

Solid polymer electrolytes are extruded with active electrode material in a continuous, one-step process to form composite electrolyte-electrodes ready for assembly into battery cells. The composite electrolyte electrode sheets are extruded onto current collectors to form electrodes. The composite electrodes, as extruded, are electronically and ionically conductive. The composite electrodes can be over coated with a solid polymer electrolyte, which acts as a separator upon battery assembly. The interface between the solid polymer electrolyte composite electrodes and the solid polymer electrolyte separator has low resistance. 1 fig.

Composite Solid Electrolyte For Lithium Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peled, Emmanuel; Nagasubramanian, Ganesan; Halpert, Gerald; Attia, Alan I.

1994-01-01

Composite solid electrolyte material consists of very small particles, each coated with thin layer of Lil, bonded together with polymer electrolyte or other organic binder. Material offers significant advantages over other solid electrolytes in lithium cells and batteries. Features include high ionic conductivity and strength. Composite solid electrolyte expected to exhibit flexibility of polymeric electrolytes. Polymer in composite solid electrolyte serves two purposes: used as binder alone, conduction taking place only in AI2O3 particles coated with solid Lil; or used as both binder and polymeric electrolyte, providing ionic conductivity between solid particles that it binds together.

Polymer blends for use in photoelectrochemical cells for conversion of solar energy to electricity

DOEpatents

Skotheim, Terje

1986-01-01

There is disclosed a polymer blend of a highly conductive polymer and a solid polymer electrolyte that is designed to achieve better charge transfer across the conductive film/polymer electrolyte interface of the electrochemical photovoltaic cell. The highly conductive polymer is preferably polypyrrole or poly-N-p-nitrophenylpyrrole and the solid polymer electrolyte is preferably polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide.

Polymer blends for use in photoelectrochemical cells for conversion of solar energy to electricity

DOEpatents

Skotheim, T.

1984-09-28

There is disclosed a polymer blend of a highly conductive polymer and a solid polymer electrolyte that is designed to achieve better charge transfer across the conductive film/polymer electrolyte interface of the electrochemical photovoltaic cell. The highly conductive polymer is preferably polypyrrole or poly-N-p-nitrophenylpyrrole and the solid polymer electrolyte is preferably polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide.

Status of commercial fuel cell powerplant system development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warshay, Marvin

1987-01-01

The primary focus is on the development of commercial Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) powerplant systems because the PAFC, which has undergone extensive development, is currently the closest fuel cell system to commercialization. Shorter discussions are included on the high temperature fuel cell systems which are not as mature in their development, such as the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) and the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). The alkaline and the Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE) fuel cell systems, are also included, but their discussions are limited to their prospects for commercial development. Currently, although the alkaline fuel cell continues to be used for important space applications there are no commercial development programs of significant size in the USA and only small efforts outside. The market place for fuel cells and the status of fuel cell programs in the USA receive extensive treatment. The fuel cell efforts outside the USA, especially the large Japanese programs, are also discussed.

Polymer blends for use in photoelectrochemical cells for conversion of solar energy to electricity and methods for manufacturing such blends

DOEpatents

Skotheim, T.

A polymer blend is disclosed of a highly conductive polymer and a solid polymer electrolyte that is designed to achieve better charge transfer across the conductive film/polymer electrolyte interface of the electrochemical photovoltaic cell. The highly conductive polymer is preferably polypyrrole or poly-N-p-nitrophenylpyrrole and the solid polymer electrolyte is preferably polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide.

Polymer blends for use in photoelectrochemical cells for conversion of solar energy to electricity and methods for manufacturing such blends

DOEpatents

Skotheim, Terje

1984-01-01

There is disclosed a polymer blend of a highly conductive polymer and a solid polymer electrolyte that is designed to achieve better charge transfer across the conductive film/polymer electrolyte interface of the electrochemical photovoltaic cell. The highly conductive polymer is preferably polypyrrole or poly-N-p-nitrophenylpyrrole and the solid polymer electrolyte is preferably polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide.

On direct and indirect methanol fuel cells for transportation applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gottesfield, S.

1996-04-01

Research on direct oxidation methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) and polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is discussed. Systems considered for transportation applications are addressed. The use of platinum/ruthenium anode electrocatalysts and platinum cathode electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte DMFCs has resulted in significant performance enhancements.

Thermal Design for Extra-Terrestrial Regenerative Fuel Cell System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilligan, R.; Guzik, M.; Jakupca, I.; Bennett, W.; Smith, P.; Fincannon, J.

2017-01-01

The Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Advanced Modular Power Systems (AMPS) Project is investigating different power systems for various lunar and Martian mission concepts. The AMPS Fuel Cell (FC) team has created two system-level models to evaluate the performance of regenerative fuel cell (RFC) systems employing different fuel cell chemistries. Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells PEMFCs contain a polymer electrolyte membrane that separates the hydrogen and oxygen cavities and conducts hydrogen cations (protons) across the cell. Solid Oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operate at high temperatures, using a zirconia-based solid ceramic electrolyte to conduct oxygen anions across the cell. The purpose of the modeling effort is to down select one fuel cell chemistry for a more detailed design effort. Figures of merit include the system mass, volume, round trip efficiency, and electrolyzer charge power required. PEMFCs operate at around 60 C versus SOFCs which operate at temperatures greater than 700 C. Due to the drastically different operating temperatures of the two chemistries the thermal control systems (TCS) differ. The PEM TCS is less complex and is characterized by a single pump cooling loop that uses deionized water coolant and rejects heat generated by the system to the environment via a radiator. The solid oxide TCS has its own unique challenges including the requirement to reject high quality heat and to condense the steam produced in the reaction. This paper discusses the modeling of thermal control systems for an extraterrestrial RFC that utilizes either a PEM or solid oxide fuel cell.

Progress in batteries and solar cells - Volume 6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimotake, Hiroshi; Voss, Ernst

The present conference encompasses topics in lithium cell development, manganese cell design, lead-acid batteries, fuel cells, nickel-cadmium and other rechargeable batteries, and battery chargers and related power systems. Attention is given to molten carbonate fuel cells, prospects for sodium/sulfur propulsion batteries, ultrathin lithium batteries, solid state batteries, a gelled electrolyte lead-acid battery for deep discharge applications, and phosphoric acid fuel cells. Also discussed are computer-based battery monitors, a novel nickel-iron battery for electric vehicle applications, conductive polymer electrode electrochemical cells, and catalyst- and electrode-related research for phosphoric acid fuel cells.

Micromold methods for fabricating perforated substrates and for preparing solid polymer electrolyte composite membranes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mittelsteadt, Cortney; Argun, Avni; Laicer, Castro

In polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells and electrolyzes, attaining and maintaining high membrane conductivity and durability is crucial for performance and efficiency. The use of low equivalent weight (EW) perfluorinated ionomers is one of the few options available to improve membrane conductivity. However, excessive dimensional changes of low EW ionomers upon application of wet/dry or freeze/thaw cycles yield catastrophic losses in membrane integrity. Incorporation of ionomers within porous, dimensionally-stable perforated polymer electrolyte membrane substrates provides improved PEM performance and longevity. The present invention provides novel methods using micromolds to fabricate the perforated polymer electrolyte membrane substrates. These novel methodsmore » using micromolds create uniform and well-defined pore structures. In addition, these novel methods using micromolds described herein may be used in batch or continuous processing.« less

Hydrogen-bromine fuel cell advance component development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Charleston, Joann; Reed, James

1988-01-01

Advanced cell component development is performed by NASA Lewis to achieve improved performance and longer life for the hydrogen-bromine fuel cells system. The state-of-the-art hydrogen-bromine system utilizes the solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) technology, similar to the SPE technology developed for the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell system. These studies are directed at exploring the potential for this system by assessing and evaluating various types of materials for cell parts and electrode materials for Bromine-hydrogen bromine environment and fabricating experimental membrane/electrode-catalysts by chemical deposition.

Al2O3 Disk Supported Si3N4 Hydrogen Purification Membrane for Low Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

Liu, Xiaoteng; Christensen, Paul A.; Kelly, Stephen M.; Rocher, Vincent; Scott, Keith

2013-01-01

Reformate gas, a commonly employed fuel for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), contains carbon monoxide, which poisons Pt-containing anodes in such devices. A novel, low-cost mesoporous Si3N4 selective gas separation material was tested as a hydrogen clean-up membrane to remove CO from simulated feed gas to single-cell PEMFC, employing Nafion as the polymer electrolyte membrane. Polarization and power density measurements and gas chromatography showed a clear effect of separating the CO from the gas mixture; the performance and durability of the fuel cell was thereby significantly improved. PMID:24957065

Al2O3 Disk Supported Si3N4 Hydrogen Purification Membrane for Low Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaoteng; Christensen, Paul A; Kelly, Stephen M; Rocher, Vincent; Scott, Keith

2013-12-05

Reformate gas, a commonly employed fuel for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), contains carbon monoxide, which poisons Pt-containing anodes in such devices. A novel, low-cost mesoporous Si3N4 selective gas separation material was tested as a hydrogen clean-up membrane to remove CO from simulated feed gas to single-cell PEMFC, employing Nafion as the polymer electrolyte membrane. Polarization and power density measurements and gas chromatography showed a clear effect of separating the CO from the gas mixture; the performance and durability of the fuel cell was thereby significantly improved.

Fuel cell technology program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

The results of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell development program are summarized. A base line design was defined, and materials and components of the base line configuration were fabricated and tested. Concepts representing base line capability extensions in the areas of life, power, specific weight and volume, versatility of operation, field maintenance, and thermal control were identified and evaluated. Liaison and coordination with space shuttle contractors resulted in the exchange of engineering data.

Advances in the high performance polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Hongwei; Shen, Pei Kang

2012-03-21

This critical review tersely and concisely reviews the recent development of the polymer electrolyte membranes and the relationship between their properties and affecting factors like operation temperature. In the first section, the advantages and shortcomings of the corresponding polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are analyzed. Then, the limitations of Nafion membranes and their alternatives to large-scale commercial applications are discussed. Secondly, the concepts and approaches of the alternative proton exchange membranes for low temperature and high temperature fuel cells are described. The highlights of the current scientific achievements are given for various aspects of approaches. Thirdly, the progress of anion exchange membranes is presented. Finally, the perspectives of future trends on polymer electrolyte membranes for different applications are commented on (400 references).

Performance improvement of gel- and solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells by utilization the blending effect of poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluropropylene) and poly (acrylonitrile-co-vinyl acetate) co-polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkatesan, Shanmugam; Obadja, Nesia; Chang, Ting-Wei; Chen, Li-Tung; Lee, Yuh-Lang

2014-12-01

Poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and poly (acrylonitrile-co-vinyl acetate) (PAN-VA) are used as gelator to prepare gel- and solid-state polymer electrolytes for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) applications. The electrolytes prepared using PVDF-HFP have higher conductivities than those prepared using PAN-VA. In blended polymers, the conductivities of the electrolytes increase with increasing composition of PVDF-HFP; at 75% PVDF-HFP, conductivity of the blended polymer surpassed that of pure polymers. It is also found that the viscosity of the electrolyte prepared by PAN-VA (1.2 kPaS) is much lower than that by PVDF-HFP (11 kPaS). Therefore, increasing PAN-VA composition can decrease the viscosity of the electrolyte, improving the penetration of electrolytes in the TiO2 matrix. By controlling the ratio of PVDF-HFP/PAN-VA, the conductivity and viscosity of the electrolyte can be regulated and an optimal ratio based on the conversion efficiency of the gel- and solid state DSSCs is obtained at the ratio of 3/1. The highest efficiency achieved by the gel- and solid-state cells using the blending polymers are 6.3% and 4.88%, respectively, which are higher than those prepared using pure polymers (5.53% and 4.56%, respectively). The introduction of TiO2 fillers to the solid electrolyte can further increase the cell efficiency to 5.34%.

Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Operation With Dual Fuel Flexibility

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-01

electrolyte membrane fuel cell ( PEMFC ). At the higher operating temperature, fuel reforming of natural gas can occur internally, eliminating the need...oxygen PAFC Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell PEMFC Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell PDS Propane Desulfurization System ppm parts per million psig

Synthesis, Characterization and Conductivity Study of Poly(vinyl 4-HYDROXY-3-METHOXY Benzal) and its Sodio Salt in Solid State

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borah, P.; Hussain, S.; Dutta, A.

Among the various ion-conducting materials, polymer salt complexes are of current interest due to their possible application as solid electrolyte as well as their physical nature in advanced high-energy electrochemical devices such as batteries, fuel cells, electrochromic display devices, photo electro-chemical solar cells52-55 etc. The main advantages of polymeric electrolytes are their mechanical properties, ease of fabrication of thin films of desired sizes and their ability to form proper electrode-electrolyte contact. Polymer electrolyte usually consists of a polymer and a salt and is considered to be solid solutions in which the polymer functions as solvent. In the present paper the synthesis, characterization and the conductivity study of the polymer poly (vinyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzal) (PV-HMB) and its sodio salt (PV-HMB-Na) have been reported. The polymer was prepared by carrying out homogenous acetalization between the prepolymer poly vinylalcohol (PVA) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzaldehyde (vanilline). PVA was dissolved in dimethyl formamide (DMF) and lithium chloride (LiCl) system i.e., in non-aqueous medium. The sodio salt was prepared by alkalization. The polymer and its salt were characterized by IR, 1H NMR and DSC. Frequency and temperature dependence of ac conductivity has been studied to learn about the electrical conduction behaviour in this material. The electrical conductivity of the new polymeric salt was found to be in the range 10-4 to 10-6 Scm-1. There is about 103 to 104 fold increase in the conductivity of the new polymer salt. Apparent activation energy of the polymer and its salt were found to be 0.139 and 0.08998 ev respectively.

The electrolyte challenge for a direct methanol-air polymer electrolyte fuel cell operating at temperatures up to 200 C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savinell, Robert; Yeager, Ernest; Tryk, Donald; Landau, Uziel; Wainright, Jesse; Gervasio, Dominic; Cahan, Boris; Litt, Morton; Rogers, Charles; Scherson, Daniel

1993-01-01

Novel polymer electrolytes are being evaluated for use in a direct methanol-air fuel cell operating at temperatures in excess of 100 C. The evaluation includes tests of thermal stability, ionic conductivity, and vapor transport characteristics. The preliminary results obtained to date indicate that a high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell is feasible. For example, Nafion 117 when equilibrated with phosphoric acid has a conductivity of at least 0.4 Omega(exp -1)cm(exp -1) at temperatures up to 200 C in the presence of 400 torr of water vapor and methanol vapor cross over equivalent to 1 mA/cm(exp 2) under a one atmosphere methanol pressure differential at 135 C. Novel polymers are also showing similar encouraging results. The flexibility to modify and optimize the properties by custom synthesis of these novel polymers presents an exciting opportunity to develop an efficient and compact methanol fuel cell.

Liquid-fueled SOFC power sources for transportation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myles, K. M.; Doshi, R.; Kumar, R.; Krumpelt, M.

Traditionally, fuel cells have been developed for space or stationary terrestrial applications. As the first commercial 200-kW systems were being introduced by ONSI and Fuji Electric, the potentially much larger, but also more challenging, application in transportation was beginning to be addressed. As a result, fuel cell-powered buses have been designed and built, and R&D programs for fuel cell-powered passenger cars have been initiated. The engineering challenge of eventually replacing the internal combustion engine in buses, trucks, and passenger cars with fuel cell systems is to achieve much higher power densities and much lower costs than obtainable in systems designed for stationary applications. At present, the leading fuel cell candidate for transportation applications is, without question, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). Offering ambient temperature start-up and the potential for a relatively high power density, the polymer technology has attracted the interest of automotive manufacturers worldwide. But the difficulties of fuel handling for the PEFC have led to a growing interest in exploring the prospects for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating on liquid fuels for transportation applications. Solid oxide fuel cells are much more compatible with liquid fuels (methanol or other hydrocarbons) and are potentially capable of power densities high enough for vehicular use. Two SOFC options for such use are discussed in this report.

Thermal System Modeling for Lunar and Martian Surface Regenerative Fuel Cell Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilligan, Ryan Patrick; Smith, Phillip James; Jakupca, Ian Joseph; Bennett, William Raymond; Guzik, Monica Christine; Fincannon, Homer J.

2017-01-01

The Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Advanced Modular Power Systems (AMPS) Project is investigating different power systems for various lunar and Martian mission concepts. The AMPS Fuel Cell (FC) team has created two system-level models to evaluate the performance of regenerative fuel cell (RFC) systems employing different fuel cell chemistries. Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells PEMFCs contain a polymer electrolyte membrane that separates the hydrogen and oxygen cavities and conducts hydrogen cations (protons) across the cell. Solid Oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operate at high temperatures, using a zirconia-based solid ceramic electrolyte to conduct oxygen anions across the cell. The purpose of the modeling effort is to down select one fuel cell chemistry for a more detailed design effort. Figures of merit include the system mass, volume, round trip efficiency, and electrolyzer charge power required. PEMFCs operate at around 60 degrees Celsius versus SOFCs which operate at temperatures greater than 700 degrees Celsius. Due to the drastically different operating temperatures of the two chemistries the thermal control systems (TCS) differ. The PEM TCS is less complex and is characterized by a single pump cooling loop that uses deionized water coolant and rejects heat generated by the system to the environment via a radiator. The solid oxide TCS has its own unique challenges including the requirement to reject high quality heat and to condense the steam produced in the reaction. This paper discusses the modeling of thermal control systems for an extraterrestrial RFC that utilizes either a PEM or solid oxide fuel cell.

Nickel/metal hydride secondary batteries using an alkaline solid polymer electrolyte

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vassal, N.; Salmon, E.; Fauvarque, J.F.

1999-01-01

Sealed alkaline solid polymer electrolyte nickel/metal hydride laboratory cells have been constructed and tested to evaluate their properties. Studies of the cycle life, self-discharge, and behavior of cells at different temperatures were carried out. The first results on the electrochemical behavior of an alkaline solid polymer electrolyte [based on poly(ethylene oxide), potassium hydroxide, and water] medium are presented here and show good reversibility of this all-solid-state system for more than 500 cycles, without significant loss of capacity and with a reasonable average discharge efficiency (close to 80%). The temperature-dependence study allowed the determination of optimum operating conditions between 0 andmore » 40 C. Characteristics of the solid polymer electrolyte based Ni/MH cells are compared to those of several other rechargeable battery systems.« less

Vertically Aligned and Continuous Nanoscale Ceramic-Polymer Interfaces in Composite Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Enhanced Ionic Conductivity.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaokun; Xie, Jin; Shi, Feifei; Lin, Dingchang; Liu, Yayuan; Liu, Wei; Pei, Allen; Gong, Yongji; Wang, Hongxia; Liu, Kai; Xiang, Yong; Cui, Yi

2018-06-13

Among all solid electrolytes, composite solid polymer electrolytes, comprised of polymer matrix and ceramic fillers, garner great interest due to the enhancement of ionic conductivity and mechanical properties derived from ceramic-polymer interactions. Here, we report a composite electrolyte with densely packed, vertically aligned, and continuous nanoscale ceramic-polymer interfaces, using surface-modified anodized aluminum oxide as the ceramic scaffold and poly(ethylene oxide) as the polymer matrix. The fast Li + transport along the ceramic-polymer interfaces was proven experimentally for the first time, and an interfacial ionic conductivity higher than 10 -3 S/cm at 0 °C was predicted. The presented composite solid electrolyte achieved an ionic conductivity as high as 5.82 × 10 -4 S/cm at the electrode level. The vertically aligned interfacial structure in the composite electrolytes enables the viable application of the composite solid electrolyte with superior ionic conductivity and high hardness, allowing Li-Li cells to be cycled at a small polarization without Li dendrite penetration.

Study of ceria-carbonate nanocomposite electrolytes for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells.

PubMed

Fan, L; Wang, C; Di, J; Chen, M; Zheng, J; Zhu, B

2012-06-01

Composite and nanocomposite samarium doped ceria-carbonates powders were prepared by solid-state reaction, citric acid-nitrate combustion and modified nanocomposite approaches and used as electrolytes for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells. X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope, low-temperature Nitrogen Adsorption/desorption Experiments, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and fuel cell performance test were employed in characterization of these materials. All powders are nano-size particles with slight aggregation and carbonates are amorphous in composites. Nanocomposite electrolyte exhibits much lower impedance resistance and higher ionic conductivity than those of the other electrolytes at lower temperature. Fuel cell using the electrolyte prepared by modified nanocomposite approach exhibits the best performance in the whole operation temperature range and achieves a maximum power density of 839 mW cm(-2) at 600 degrees C with H2 as fuel. The excellent physical and electrochemical performances of nanocomposite electrolyte make it a promising candidate for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells.

Solid electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isaacs, H. S.

Progress in the development of functioning solid electrolyte fuel cells is summarized. The solid electrolyte cells perform at 1000 C, a temperature elevated enough to indicate high efficiencies are available, especially if the cell is combined with a steam generator/turbine system. The system is noted to be sulfur tolerant, so coal containing significant amounts of sulfur is expected to yield satisfactory performances with low parasitic losses for gasification and purification. Solid oxide systems are electrically reversible, and are usable in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes. Employing zirconium and yttrium in the electrolyte provides component stability with time, a feature not present with other fuel cells. The chemical reactions producing the cell current are reviewed, along with materials choices for the cathodes, anodes, and interconnections.

Present status of solid state photoelectrochemical solar cells and dye sensitized solar cells using PEO-based polymer electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Pramod Kumar; Nagarale, R. K.; Pandey, S. P.; Rhee, H. W.; Bhattacharya, Bhaskar

2011-06-01

Due to energy crises in the future, much effort is being directed towards alternate sources. Solar energy is accepted as a novel substitute for conventional sources of energy. Out of the long list of various types of solar cells available on the market, solid state photoelectrochemical solar cells (SSPECs) and dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are proposed as an alternative to costly crystalline solar cell. This review provides a common platform for SSPECs and DSSCs using polymer electrolyte, particularly on polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based polymer electrolytes. Due to numerous advantageous properties of PEO, it is frequently used as an electrolyte in both SSPECs as well as DSSCs. In DSSCs, so far high efficiency (more than 11%) has been obtained only by using volatile liquid electrolyte, which suffers many disadvantages, such as corrosion, leakage and evaporation. The PEO-based solid polymer proves its importance and could be used to solve the problems stated above. The recent developments in SSPECs and DSSCs using modified PEO electrolytes by adding nano size inorganic fillers, blending with low molecular weight polymers and ionic liquid (IL) are discussed in detail. The role of ionic liquid in modifying the electrical, structural and photoelectrochemical properties of PEO polymer electrolytes is also described.

Solid polymer electrolyte compositions

DOEpatents

Garbe, James E.; Atanasoski, Radoslav; Hamrock, Steven J.; Le, Dinh Ba

2001-01-01

An electrolyte composition is featured that includes a solid, ionically conductive polymer, organically modified oxide particles that include organic groups covalently bonded to the oxide particles, and an alkali metal salt. The electrolyte composition is free of lithiated zeolite. The invention also features cells that incorporate the electrolyte composition.

Photoelectrochemical cells for conversion of solar energy to electricity and methods of their manufacture

DOEpatents

Skotheim, Terje

1984-04-10

A photoelectric device is disclosed which comprises first and second layers of semiconductive material, each of a different bandgap, with a layer of dry solid polymer electrolyte disposed between the two semiconductor layers. A layer of a polymer blend of a highly conductive polymer and a solid polymer electrolyte is further interposed between the dry solid polymer electrolyte and the first semiconductor layer. A method of manufacturing such devices is also disclosed.

The electrical conductivities of polyimide and polyimide/Li triflate composites: An a.c. impedance study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aziz, Nor Diyana Abdul; Kamarulzaman, Norlida; Subban, Ri Hanum Yahaya; Hamzah, Ahmad Sazali; Ahmed, Azni Zain; Osman, Zurina; Rusdi, Roshidah; Kamarudin, Norashikin; Mohalid, Norhanim; Romli, Ahmad Zafir; Shaameri, Zurina

2017-09-01

Polymer electrolytes have been an essential area of research for many decades. One of the reasons was the need to find new electrolyte materials suitable for device applications like solid-state batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, etc. with enhanced characteristics. For more than 40 years, polyimide has been known as a super-engineering plastic due to its excellent thermal stability (Tg > 250 °C) and mechanical properties. Therefore, in an effort to develop new polymer electrolytes, polyimide as a polymer matrix was chosen. Composite films of the polymer doped with lithium salt, LiCF3SO3 was prepared. These PI based polymer electrolyte films were investigated by the alternating current (a.c.) impedance spectroscopy method in the temperature range from 300 K to 373 K. It was observed that conductivity increased with the increase of temperature and amount of doping salt. Alternatively, the activation energy (Ea) of the composite films decreased with the increase of the doping salt, LiCF3SO3.

Theoretical performance of hydrogen-bromine rechargeable SPE fuel cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savinell, Robert F.; Fritts, S. D.

1987-01-01

A mathematical model was formulated to describe the performance of a hydrogen-bromine fuel cell. Porous electrode theory was applied to the carbon felt flow-by electrode and was coupled to theory describing the solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) system. Parametric studies using the numerical solution to this model were performed to determine the effect of kinetic, mass transfer, and design parameters on the performance of the fuel cell. The results indicate that the cell performance is most sensitive to the transport properties of the SPE membrane. The model was also shown to be a useful tool for scale-up studies.

Magnetic resonance imaging of water content across the Nafion membrane in an operational PEM fuel cell.

PubMed

Zhang, Ziheng; Martin, Jonathan; Wu, Jinfeng; Wang, Haijiang; Promislow, Keith; Balcom, Bruce J

2008-08-01

Water management is critical to optimize the operation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. At present, numerical models are employed to guide water management in such fuel cells. Accurate measurements of water content variation in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are required to validate these models and to optimize fuel cell behavior. We report a direct water content measurement across the Nafion membrane in an operational polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, employing double half k-space spin echo single point imaging techniques. The MRI measurements with T2 mapping were undertaken with a parallel plate resonator to avoid the effects of RF screening. The parallel plate resonator employs the electrodes inherent to the fuel cell to create a resonant circuit at RF frequencies for MR excitation and detection, while still operating as a conventional fuel cell at DC. Three stages of fuel cell operation were investigated: activation, operation and dehydration. Each profile was acquired in 6 min, with 6 microm nominal resolution and a SNR of better than 15.

Superior Blends Solid Polymer Electrolyte with Integrated Hierarchical Architectures for All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Zhang, Dechao; Zhang, Long; Yang, Kun; Wang, Hongqiang; Yu, Chuang; Xu, Di; Xu, Bo; Wang, Li-Min

2017-10-25

Exploration of advanced solid electrolytes with good interfacial stability toward electrodes is a highly relevant research topic for all-solid-state batteries. Here, we report PCL/SN blends integrating with PAN-skeleton as solid polymer electrolyte prepared by a facile method. This polymer electrolyte with hierarchical architectures exhibits high ionic conductivity, large electrochemical windows, high degree flexibility, good flame-retardance ability, and thermal stability (workable at 80 °C). Additionally, it demonstrates superior compatibility and electrochemical stability toward metallic Li as well as LiFePO 4 cathode. The electrolyte/electrode interfaces are very stable even subjected to 4.5 V at charging state for long time. The LiFePO 4 /Li all-solid-state cells based on this electrolyte deliver high capacity, outstanding cycling stability, and superior rate capability better than those based on liquid electrolyte. This solid polymer electrolyte is eligible for next generation high energy density all-solid-state batteries.

Cellulose nanocrystal-based composite electrolyte with superior dimensional stability for alkaline fuel cell membranes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Yuan; Artmentrout, Aaron A.; Li, Juchuan

2015-05-13

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-based composite films were prepared as a solid electrolyte for alkaline fuel cells. Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and silica gel hybrid was used to bind the CNCs to form a robust composite film. The mass ratio (i.e., 1 : 1, 1 : 2) of PVA and silica gel was tuned to control the hydrophobicity of the resulting films. Composite films with a range of CNC content (i.e., 20 to 60%) were prepared to demonstrate the impact of CNC on the performance of these materials as a solid electrolyte for alkaline fuel cells. Different from previously reported cross-linked polymermore » films, CNC-based composite films with 40% hydrophobic binder (i.e., PVA : silica gel=1 : 2) exhibited simultaneous low water swelling (e.g., ~5%) and high water uptake (e.g., ~80%) due to the hydrophilicity and extraordinary dimensional stability of CNC. It also showed a conductivity of 0.044 and 0.065 S/cm at 20 and 60 oC, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the film with 60% CNC and 40% binder is characterized by the lowest hydroxide conductivity-normalized swelling ratio. Decreased CNC content (i.e., 40 and 20%) resulted in comparable hydroxide conductivity but a greater swelling ratio. Finally, these results demonstrate the advantage of CNC as a key component for a solid electrolyte for alkaline fuel cells over conventional polymers, suggesting the great potential of CNCs in improving the dimensional stability while maintaining the conductivity of existing anion exchange membranes.« less

Solid State Ionic Materials - Proceedings of the 4th Asian Conference on Solid State Ionics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdari, B. V. R.; Yahaya, M.; Talib, I. A.; Salleh, M. M.

1994-07-01

The Table of Contents for the full book PDF is as follows: * Preface * I. INVITED PAPERS * Diffusion of Cations and Anions in Solid Electrolytes * Silver Ion Conductors in the Crystalline State * NMR Studies of Superionic Conductors * Hall Effect and Thermoelectric Power in High Tc Hg-Ba-Ca-Cu-O Ceramics * Solid Electrolyte Materials Prepared by Sol-Gel Chemistry * Preparation of Proton-Conducting Gel Films and their Application to Electrochromic Devices * Thin Film Fuel Cells * Zirconia based Solid Oxide Ion Conductors in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells * The Influence of Anion Substitution on Some Phosphate-based Ion Conducting Glasses * Lithium Intercalation in Carbon Electrodes and its Relevance in Rocking Chair Batteries * Chemical Sensors using Proton Conducting Ceramics * NMR/NQR Studies of Y-Ba-Cu-O Superconductors * Silver Molybdate Glasses and Battery Systems * New Highly Conducting Polymer Ionics and their Application in Electrochemical Devices * Study of Li Electrokinetics on Oligomeric Electrolytes using Microelectrodes * Calculation of Conductivity for Mixed-Phase Electrolytes PEO-MX-Immiscible Additive by Means of Effective Medium Theory * II. CONTRIBUTED PAPERS * Phase Relationship and Electrical Conductivity of Sr-V-O System with Vanadium Suboxide * Amorphous Li+ Ionic Conductors in Li2SO4-Li2O-P2O5 System * Fast Ion Transport in KCl-Al2O3 Composites * The Effect of the Second Phase Precipitation on the Ionic Conductivity of Zr0.85Mg0.15O1.85 * Conductivity Measurements and Phase Relationships in CaCl2-CaHCl Solid Electrolyte * Relationships Between Crystal Structure and Sodium Ion Conductivity in Na7Fe4(AsO4)6 and Na3Al2(AsO4)3 * Electrical Conductivity and Solubility Limit of Ti4+ Ion in Na1+x TiyZr2-ySixP3-xO12 System * Study on Sodium Fast Ion Conductors of Na1+3xAlxTi2-xSi2xP3-2xO12 System * Influences of Zirconia on the Properties of β''-Alumina Ceramics * Decay of Luminescence from Cr3+ Ions in β-Alumina * Lithium Ion Conductivity in the Li4XO4-Li2SO4 (X=Si, Ge, Ti) Systems * A DSC and Conductivity Study of the Influence of Cesium Ion on the Beta-Alpha Transition in Silver Iodide * Phase Diagrams, Stoichiometries and Properties of Bi4V2O11:M2+ Solid Electrolytes * Physical Properties of Electrodeposited Silver Chromotungstate * Pseudopotential Study of Bonding in the Superionic Material AgI: The Effect of Statistical Distribution of Mobile Ions * Cubic Phase Dominant Region in Submicron BaTiO3 Particles * The Crystallization of CoZr Amorphous Alloys via Electrical Resistivity * Cation Ratio Related Properties of Synthetic Mg/Al Layered Double Hydroxide and it's Nanocomposite * DC Conductivity of Nano-Particles of Silver Iodide * Effect of Anomalous Diffusion on Quasielastic Scattering in Superionic Conductors * Computer Simulation Study of Conductivity Enhancement in Superionic-Insulator Composites * Dynamics of Superionic Silver and Copper Iodide Salt Melts * Influence of Dopant Salt AgI, Glass Modifier Ag2O and Glass Formers (SeO3 + MoO3) on Electrical Conductivity in Quaternary Glassy System * Fast Ion Conductivity in the Presence of Competitive Network Formers * Role of Alkali Ions in Borate Glasses * Inelastic Light Scattering in Cadmium Borate Glasses * Investigation on Transport Properties of Mixed Glass System 0.75 [0.75AgI:0.25AgCl]. 0.25[Ag2O:CrO3] * Conduction Mechanism in Lithium Tellurite Glasses * Optimized Silver Tungstoarsenate Glass Electrolyte * Stabilized Superfine Zirconia Powder Prepared by Sol-Gel Process * Study of New PAN-based Electrolytes * Electrical and Thermal Characterization of PVA based Polymer Electrolytes * Conductive Electroactive Polymers: Versatile Solid State Ionic Materials * The Role of Ag2O Addition on the Superconducting Properties of Y-124 Compound * Absorption Spectra Studies of the C60 Films on Transition Metal Film Substrates * Effect of Alumina Dispersal on the Conductivity and Crystallite Size of Polymer Electrolyte * New Mixed Galss-Polymer Solid Electrolytes * The Sputtered La0.5Sr0.5MnO3-Yttria Stabilized Zirconia Composite Electrode in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells * A Solid Electrochemical Ferro Sensor for Molten Matte * SnO2-based Sensor for H2S Monitoring-Electrical Conductivity Measurements and Device Testing * Humidity Sensor using Potassium Tungsten Bronze Synthesized from Peroxo-Polytungstic Acid * Study on Li/LiClO4/V6O13 Test Cells * Fabrication and Characterisation of Some Solid Electrolyte Cells Containing CuI and Silver Oxysalts * Solid State Battery of Proton Conducting Sodium Thiosulphate Pentahydrate * Low Temperature Synthesis of LiMn2O4 for Secondary Lithium Batteries * Effect of Different Cathode Active Materials on Battery Performance with Silver Molybdate Electrolyte Partially Substituted with Zinc Oxide * Fabrication and Characterization of Electrochemical Cells based on Silver Molybdoarsenate and Silver Tungstoarsenate Glass Electrolytes * Lorentz Force Dependence of Dissipation in a Granular Superconductor * Late Entry (Invited paper) * Simultaneous Voltammetry and Spectroscopy of Polyaniline in Propylene Carbonate * Author Index * Tentative List of Participants

Ultra-thin solid oxide fuel cells: Materials and devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerman, Kian

Solid oxide fuel cells are electrochemical energy conversion devices utilizing solid electrolytes transporting O2- that typically operate in the 800 -- 1000 °C temperature range due to the large activation barrier for ionic transport. Reducing electrolyte thickness or increasing ionic conductivity can enable lower temperature operation for both stationary and portable applications. This thesis is focused on the fabrication of free standing ultrathin (<100 nm) oxide membranes of prototypical O 2- conducting electrolytes, namely Y2O3-doped ZrO2 and Gd2O3-doped CeO2. Fabrication of such membranes requires an understanding of thin plate mechanics coupled with controllable thin film deposition processes. Integration of free standing membranes into proof-of-concept fuel cell devices necessitates ideal electrode assemblies as well as creative processing schemes to experimentally test devices in a high temperature dual environment chamber. We present a simple elastic model to determine stable buckling configurations for free standing oxide membranes. This guides the experimental methodology for Y 2O3-doped ZrO2 film processing, which enables tunable internal stress in the films. Using these criteria, we fabricate robust Y2O3-doped ZrO2 membranes on Si and composite polymeric substrates by semiconductor and micro-machining processes, respectively. Fuel cell devices integrating these membranes with metallic electrodes are demonstrated to operate in the 300 -- 500 °C range, exhibiting record performance at such temperatures. A model combining physical transport of electronic carriers in an insulating film and electrochemical aspects of transport is developed to determine the limits of performance enhancement expected via electrolyte thickness reduction. Free standing oxide heterostructures, i.e. electrolyte membrane and oxide electrodes, are demonstrated. Lastly, using Y2O3-doped ZrO2 and Gd2O 3-doped CeO2, novel electrolyte fabrication schemes are explored to develop oxide alloys and nanoscale compositionally graded membranes that are thermomechanically robust and provide added interfacial functionality. The work in this thesis advances experimental state-of-the-art with respect to solid oxide fuel cell operation temperature, provides fundamental boundaries expected for ultrathin electrolytes, develops the ability to integrate highly dissimilar material (such as oxide-polymer) heterostructures, and introduces nanoscale compositionally graded electrolyte membranes that can lead to monolithic materials having multiple functionalities.

Electrolyte materials containing highly dissociated metal ion salts

DOEpatents

Lee, H.S.; Geng, L.; Skotheim, T.A.

1996-07-23

The present invention relates to metal ion salts which can be used in electrolytes for producing electrochemical devices, including both primary and secondary batteries, photoelectrochemical cells and electrochromic displays. The salts have a low energy of dissociation and may be dissolved in a suitable polymer to produce a polymer solid electrolyte or in a polar aprotic liquid solvent to produce a liquid electrolyte. The anion of the salts may be covalently attached to polymer backbones to produce polymer solid electrolytes with exclusive cation conductivity. 2 figs.

Chemical compositions, methods of making the chemical compositions, and structures made from the chemical compositions

DOEpatents

Yang, Lei; Cheng, Zhe; Liu, Ze; Liu, Meilin

2015-01-13

Embodiments of the present disclosure include chemical compositions, structures, anodes, cathodes, electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, fuel cells, fuel cell membranes, separation membranes, catalytic membranes, sensors, coatings for electrolytes, electrodes, membranes, and catalysts, and the like, are disclosed.

Solid-state proton conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jewulski, J. R.; Osif, T. L.; Remick, R. J.

1990-12-01

The purpose of this program was to survey the field of solid-state proton conductors (SSPC), identify conductors that could be used to develop solid-state fuel cells suitable for use with coal derived fuel gases, and begin the experimental research required for the development of these fuel cells. This document covers the following topics: the history of developments and current status of the SSPC, including a review of proton conducting electrolyte structures, the current status of the medium temperature SSPC development, electrodes for moderate temperature (SSPC) fuel cell, basic material and measurement techniques applicable for SSPC development, modeling, and optimization studies. Correlation and optimization studies are described which include correlation studies on proton conduction and oxide cathode optimization for the SSPC fuel cell. Experiments with the SSPC fuel cells are presented which include the fabrication of the electrolyte disks, apparatus for conducting measurements, the strontium-cerium based electrolyte, the barium-cerium based electrolyte with solid foil electrodes, the barium-cerium based electrolyte with porous electrodes, and conduction mechanisms.

Status and applicability of solid polymer electrolyte technology to electrolytic hydrogen and oxygen production

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Titterington, W. A.

1973-01-01

The solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) water electrolysis technology is presented as a potential energy conversion method for wind driven generator systems. Electrolysis life and performance data are presented from laboratory sized single cells (7.2 sq in active area) with high cell current density selected (1000 ASF) for normal operation.

Lowering the operational temperature of all-solid-state lithium polymer cell with highly conductive and interfacially robust solid polymer electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldalur, Itziar; Martinez-Ibañez, Maria; Piszcz, Michal; Rodriguez-Martinez, Lide M.; Zhang, Heng; Armand, Michel

2018-04-01

Novel solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), comprising of comb polymer matrix grafted with soft and disordered polyether moieties (Jeffamine®) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) are investigated in all-solid-state lithium metal (Li°) polymer cells. The LiFSI/Jeffamine-based SPEs are fully amorphous at room temperature with glass transitions as low as ca. -55 °C. They show higher ionic conductivities than conventional poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based SPEs at ambient temperature region, and good electrochemical compatibility with Li° electrode. These exceptional properties enable the operational temperature of Li° | LiFePO4 cells to be decreased from an elevated temperature (70 °C) to room temperature. Those results suggest that LiFSI/Jeffamine-based SPEs can be promising electrolyte candidates for developing safe and high performance all-solid-state Li° batteries.

Nanomaterials for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells; Materials Challenges Facing Electrical Energy Storate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gopal Rao, MRS Web-Editor; Yury Gogotsi, Drexel University; Karen Swider-Lyons, Naval Research Laboratory

Symposium T: Nanomaterials for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells are under intense investigation worldwide for applications ranging from transportation to portable power. The purpose of this seminar is to focus on the nanomaterials and nanostructures inherent to polymer fuel cells. Symposium topics will range from high-activity cathode and anode catalysts, to theory and new analytical methods. Symposium U: Materials Challenges Facing Electrical Energy Storage Electricity, which can be generated in a variety of ways, offers a great potential for meeting future energy demands as a clean and efficient energy source. However, the use ofmore » electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind or sunlight, requires efficient electrical energy storage. This symposium will cover the latest material developments for batteries, advanced capacitors, and related technologies, with a focus on new or emerging materials science challenges.« less

Alkaline polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cell applications.

PubMed

Wang, Yan-Jie; Qiao, Jinli; Baker, Ryan; Zhang, Jiujun

2013-07-07

In this review, we examine the most recent progress and research trends in the area of alkaline polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) development in terms of material selection, synthesis, characterization, and theoretical approach, as well as their fabrication into alkaline PEM-based membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and the corresponding performance/durability in alkaline polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Respective advantages and challenges are also reviewed. To overcome challenges hindering alkaline PEM technology advancement and commercialization, several research directions are then proposed.

High temperature solid electrolyte fuel cell configurations and interconnections

DOEpatents

Isenberg, Arnold O.

1984-01-01

High temperature fuel cell configurations and interconnections are made including annular cells having a solid electrolyte sandwiched between thin film electrodes. The cells are electrically interconnected along an elongated axial outer surface.

Water Transport in the Micro Porous Layer and Gas Diffusion Layer of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, C.; Hassanizadeh, S. M.

2015-12-01

In this work, a recently developed dynamic pore-network model is presented [1]. The model explicitly solves for both water pressure and capillary pressure. A semi-implicit scheme is used in updating water saturation in each pore body, which considerably increases the numerical stability at low capillary number values. Furthermore, a multiple-time-step algorithm is introduced to reduce the computational effort. A number of case studies of water transport in the micro porous layer (MPL) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) are conducted. We illustrate the role of MPL in reducing water flooding in the GDL. Also, the dynamic water transport through the MPL-GDL interface is explored in detail. This information is essential to the reduced continua model (RCM), which was developed for multiphase flow through thin porous layers [2, 3]. C.Z. Qin, Water transport in the gas diffusion layer of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell: dynamic pore-network modeling, J Electrochimical. Soci., 162, F1036-F1046, 2015. C.Z. Qin and S.M. Hassanizadeh, Multiphase flow through multilayers of thin porous media: general balance equations and constitutive relationships for a solid-gas-liquid three-phase system, Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer, 70, 693-708, 2014. C.Z. Qin and S.M. Hassanizadeh, A new approach to modeling water flooding in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 40, 3348-3358, 2015.

A stable perovskite electrolyte in moist air for Li-ion batteries.

PubMed

Li, Yutao; Xu, Henghui; Chien, Po-Hsiu; Wu, Nan; Xin, Sen; Xue, Leigang; Park, Kyusung; Hu, Yan-Yan; Goodenough, John B

2018-05-07

Solid-oxide Li+ electrolytes of a rechargeable cell are generally sensitive to moisture in the air, H+ exchanges for the mobile Li+ of the electrolyte and forms insulating surface phases at the electrolyte interfaces and in the grain boundaries of a polycrystalline membrane. These surface phases dominate the total interfacial resistance of a conventional rechargeable cell having a solid-electrolyte separator. We report a new perovskite Li+ solid electrolyte, Li0.38Sr0.44Ta0.7Hf0.3O2.95F0.05, having a Li-ion conductivity σLi = 4.8×10-4 S cm-1 at 25 oC that does not react with water having 3≤pH≤14. The solid electrolyte with a thin Li+-conducting polymer on its surface to prevent reduction of Ta5+ is wet by metallic lithium and provides low-impedance dendrite-free plating/stripping of a lithium anode. It is also stable on contact with a composite polymer cathode. With this solid electrolyte, we demonstrate excellent cycling performance of an all-solid-state Li/LiFePO4 cell, a Li-S cell with a polymer-gel cathode, and a supercapacitor. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Regenerative fuel cell energy storage system for a low earth orbit space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, R. E.; Garow, J.; Michaels, K. B.

1988-01-01

A study was conducted to define characteristics of a Regenerative Fuel Cell System (RFCS) for low earth orbit Space Station missions. The RFCS's were defined and characterized based on both an alkaline electrolyte fuel cell integrated with an alkaline electrolyte water electrolyzer and an alkaline electrolyte fuel cell integrated with an acid solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) water electrolyzer. The study defined the operating characteristics of the systems including system weight, volume, and efficiency. A maintenance philosophy was defined and the implications of system reliability requirements and modularization were determined. Finally, an Engineering Model System was defined and a program to develop and demonstrate the EMS and pacing technology items that should be developed in parallel with the EMS were identified. The specific weight of an optimized RFCS operating at 140 F was defined as a function of system efficiency for a range of module sizes. An EMS operating at a nominal temperature of 180 F and capable of delivery of 10 kW at an overall efficiency of 55.4 percent is described. A program to develop the EMS is described including a technology development effort for pacing technology items.

Fuel cell power plants for automotive applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McElroy, J. F.

1983-02-01

While the Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE) fuel cell has until recently not been considered competitive with such commercial and industrial energy systems as gas turbine generators and internal combustion engines, electrical current density improvements have markedly improved the capital cost/kW output rating performance of SPE systems. Recent studies of SPE fuel cell applicability to vehicular propulsion have indicated that with adequate development, a powerplant may be produced which will satisfy the performance, size and weight objectives required for viable electric vehicles, and that the cost for such a system would be competitive with alternative advanced power systems.

Electrode design for low temperature direct-hydrocarbon solid oxide fuel cells

DOEpatents

Chen, Fanglin; Zhao, Fei; Liu, Qiang

2015-10-06

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a solid oxide fuel cell is described. The solid oxide fuel cell includes a hierarchically porous cathode support having an impregnated cobaltite cathode deposited thereon, an electrolyte, and an anode support. The anode support includes hydrocarbon oxidation catalyst deposited thereon, wherein the cathode support, electrolyte, and anode support are joined together and wherein the solid oxide fuel cell operates a temperature of 600.degree. C. or less.

Electrode Design for Low Temperature Direct-Hydrocarbon Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Qiang (Inventor); Chen, Fanglin (Inventor); Zhao, Fei (Inventor)

2015-01-01

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a solid oxide fuel cell is described. The solid oxide fuel cell includes a hierarchically porous cathode support having an impregnated cobaltite cathode deposited thereon, an electrolyte, and an anode support. The anode support includes hydrocarbon oxidation catalyst deposited thereon, wherein the cathode support, electrolyte, and anode support are joined together and wherein the solid oxide fuel cell operates a temperature of 600.degree. C. or less.

Rod/Coil Block Copolyimides for Ion-Conducting Membranes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meador, Mary Ann B.; Kinder, James D.

2003-01-01

Rod/coil block copolyimides that exhibit high levels of ionic conduction can be made into diverse products, including dimensionally stable solid electrolyte membranes that function well over wide temperature ranges in fuel cells and in lithium-ion electrochemical cells. These rod/coil block copolyimides were invented to overcome the limitations of polymers now used to make such membranes. They could also be useful in other electrochemical and perhaps some optical applications, as described below. The membranes of amorphous polyethylene oxide (PEO) now used in lithium-ion cells have acceptably large ionic conductivities only at temperatures above 60 C, precluding use in what would otherwise be many potential applications at lower temperatures. PEO is difficult to process, and, except at the highest molecular weights it is not very dimensionally stable. It would be desirable to operate fuel cells at temperatures above 80 C to take advantage of better kinetics of redox reactions and to reduce contamination of catalysts. Unfortunately, proton-conduction performance of a typical perfluorosulfonic polymer membrane now used as a solid electrolyte in a fuel cell decreases with increasing temperature above 80 C because of loss of water from within the membrane. The loss of water has been attributed to the hydrophobic nature of the polymer backbone. In addition, perfluorosulfonic polymers are expensive and are not sufficiently stable for long-term use. Rod/coil block copolyimides are so named because each molecule of such a polymer comprises short polyimide rod segments alternating with flexible polyether coil segments (see figure). The rods and coils can be linear, branched, or mixtures of linear and branched. A unique feature of these polymers is that the rods and coils are highly incompatible, giving rise to a phase separation with a high degree of ordering that creates nanoscale channels in which ions can travel freely. The conduction of ions can occur in the coil phase, the rod phase, or both phases.

Room-Temperature Performance of Poly(Ethylene Ether Carbonate)-Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries.

PubMed

Jung, Yun-Chae; Park, Myung-Soo; Kim, Duck-Hyun; Ue, Makoto; Eftekhari, Ali; Kim, Dong-Won

2017-12-13

Amorphous poly(ethylene ether carbonate) (PEEC), which is a copolymer of ethylene oxide and ethylene carbonate, was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of ethylene carbonate. This route overcame the common issue of low conductivity of poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)-based solid polymer electrolytes at low temperatures, and thus the solid polymer electrolyte could be successfully employed at the room temperature. Introducing the ethylene carbonate units into PEEC improved the ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability and lithium transference number compared with PEO. A cross-linked solid polymer electrolyte was synthesized by photo cross-linking reaction using PEEC and tetraethyleneglycol diacrylate as a cross-linking agent, in the form of a flexible thin film. The solid-state Li/LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 cell assembled with solid polymer electrolyte based on cross-linked PEEC delivered a high initial discharge capacity of 141.4 mAh g -1 and exhibited good capacity retention at room temperature. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using this solid polymer electrolyte in all-solid-state lithium batteries that can operate at ambient temperatures.

Better Proton-Conducting Polymers for Fuel-Cell Membranes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narayan, Sri; Reddy, Prakash

2012-01-01

Polyoxyphenylene triazole sulfonic acid has been proposed as a basis for development of improved proton-conducting polymeric materials for solid-electrolyte membranes in hydrogen/air fuel cells. Heretofore, the proton-conducting membrane materials of choice have been exemplified by a family of perfluorosulfonic acid-based polymers (Nafion7 or equivalent). These materials are suitable for operation in the temperature of 75 to 85 C, but in order to reduce the sizes and/or increase the energy-conversion efficiencies of fuel-cell systems, it would be desirable to increase temperatures to as high as 120 C for transportation applications, and to as high as 180 C for stationary applications. However, at 120 C and at relative humidity values below 50 percent, the loss of water from perfluorosulfonic acid-based polymer membranes results in fuel-cell power densities too low to be of practical value. Therefore, membrane electrolyte materials that have usefully high proton conductivity in the temperature range of 180 C at low relative humidity and that do not rely on water for proton conduction at 180 C would be desirable. The proposed polyoxyphenylene triazole sulfonic acid-based materials have been conjectured to have these desirable properties. These materials would be free of volatile or mobile acid constituents. The generic molecular structure of these materials is intended to exploit the fact, demonstrated in previous research, that materials that contain ionizable acid and base groups covalently attached to thermally stable polymer backbones exhibit proton conduction even in the anhydrous state.

Decoupling Mechanical and Ion Transport Properties in Polymer Electrolyte Membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McIntosh, Lucas D.

Polymer electrolytes are mixtures of a polar polymer and salt, in which the polymer replaces small molecule solvents and provides a dielectric medium so that ions can dissociate and migrate under the influence of an external electric field. Beginning in the 1970s, research in polymer electrolytes has been primarily motivated by their promise to advance electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices, such as lithium ion batteries, flexible organic solar cells, and anhydrous fuel cells. In particular, polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) can improve both safety and energy density by eliminating small molecule, volatile solvents and enabling an all-solid-state design of electrochemical cells. The outstanding challenge in the field of polymer electrolytes is to maximize ionic conductivity while simultaneously addressing orthogonal mechanical properties, such as modulus, fracture toughness, or high temperature creep resistance. The crux of the challenge is that flexible, polar polymers best-suited for polymer electrolytes (e.g., poly(ethylene oxide)) offer little in the way of mechanical robustness. Similarly, polymers typically associated with superior mechanical performance (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate)) slow ion transport due to their glassy polymer matrix. The design strategy is therefore to employ structured electrolytes that exhibit distinct conducting and mechanically robust phases on length scales of tens of nanometers. This thesis reports a remarkably simple, yet versatile synthetic strategy---termed polymerization-induced phase separation, or PIPS---to prepare PEMs exhibiting an unprecedented combination of both high conductivity and high modulus. This performance is enabled by co-continuous, isotropic networks of poly(ethylene oxide)/ionic liquid and highly crosslinked polystyrene. A suite of in situ, time-resolved experiments were performed to investigate the mechanism by which this network morphology forms, and it appears to be tied to the disordered structure observed in diblock polymer melts near the order-disorder transition. In the resulting solid PEMs, the conductivity and modulus are both high, exceeding the 1 mS/cm and approaching the 1 GPa metrics, respectively, often cited for lithium-metal batteries. In the final chapter, an alternative synthetic route to generate nanostructured PEMs is presented. This strategy relies on the formation of a thermodynamically stable network morphology exhibited by a triblock terpolymer prepared with crosslinking moieties along the backbone. Although the mechanical properties of the resulting PEM are excellent, the conductivity is found to be somewhat limited by network defects that result from the solvent-casting procedure.

Microstructured Electrolyte Membranes to Improve Fuel Cell Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Xue

Fuel cells, with the advantages of high efficiency, low greenhouse gas emission, and long lifetime are a promising technology for both portable power and stationary power sources. The development of efficient electrolyte membranes with high ionic conductivity, good mechanical durability and dense structure at low cost remains a challenge to the commercialization of fuel cells. This thesis focuses on exploring novel composite polymer membranes and ceramic electrolytes with the microstructure engineered to improve performance in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), respectively. Polymer/particle composite membranes hold promise to meet the demands of DMFCs at lower cost. The structure of composite membranes was controlled by aligning proton conducting particles across the membrane thickness under an applied electric field. The field-induced structural changes caused the membranes to display an enhanced water uptake, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability in comparison to membranes prepared without an applied field. Although both methanol permeability and proton conductivity are enhanced by the applied field, the permeability increase is relatively lower than the proton conductivity improvement, which results in enhanced proton/methanol selectivity and improved DMFC performance. Apatite ceramics are a new class of fast ion conductors being studied as alternative SOFC electrolytes in the intermediate temperature range. An electrochemical/hydrothermal deposition method was developed to grow fully dense apatite membranes containing well-developed crystals with c-axis alignment to promote ion conductivity. Hydroxyapatite seed crystals were first deposited onto a metal substrate electrochemically. Subsequent ion substitution during the hydrothermal growth process promoted the formation of dense, fully crystalline films with microstructure optimal for ion transport. The deposition parameters were systematically investigated, such as reactant type, reagent concentration, solution pH, and reaction time. Dense apatite films were formed on palladium substrates that can serve as intermediate temperature fuel cell anodes. The novel apatite membrane structure is promising for fuel cell applications, as well as in improving the biocompatibility of orthopedic implants when coated on stainless steel or titanium substrates.

New Class of Flow Batteries for Terrestrial and Aerospace Energy Storage Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bugga, Ratnakumar V.; West, William C.; Kindler, Andrew; Smart, Marshall C.

2013-01-01

Future sustainable energy generation technologies such as photovoltaic and wind farms require advanced energy storage systems on a massive scale to make the alternate (green) energy options practical. The daunting requirements of such large-scale energy systems such as long operating and cycle life, safety, and low cost are not adequately met by state-of-the-art energy storage technologies such as vanadium flow cells, lead-acid, and zinc-bromine batteries. Much attention is being paid to redox batteries specifically to the vanadium redox battery (VRB) due to their simplicity, low cost, and good life characteristics compared to other related battery technologies. NASA is currently seeking high-specific- energy and long-cycle-life rechargeable batteries in the 10-to-100-kW range to support future human exploration missions, such as planetary habitats, human rovers, etc. The flow batteries described above are excellent candidates for these applications, as well as other applications that propose to use regenerative fuel cells. A new flow cell technology is proposed based on coupling two novel electrodes in the form of solvated electron systems (SES) between an alkali (or alkaline earth) metal and poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), separated by an ionically conducting separator. The cell reaction involves the formation of such SES with a PAH of high voltage in the cathode, while the alkali (or alkaline earth metal) is reduced from such an MPAH complex in the anode half-cell. During recharge, the reactions are reversed in both electrodes. In other words, the alkali (alkaline earth) metal ion simply shuttles from one M-PAH complex (SES) to another, which are separated by a metal-ion conducting solid or polymer electrolyte separator. As an example, the concept was demonstrated with Li-naphthalene//Li DDQ (DDQ is 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano- 1,4-benzoquinone) separated by lithium super ion conductor, either ceramic or polymer (solid polymer or gel polymer) electrolytes. The reactants are Li-naphthalene dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with a lithium salt of 1M LiBF4 (lithium tetra fluoroborate) in the anode compartment, and DDQ again dissolved in THF and also containing 1M LiBF4 salt in the cathode half-cell. The solid electrolyte separator used in the first set of experiments is a ceramic solid electrolyte, available from a commercial source. The open circuit voltage of the cells is close to 3.0 V, as expected from the individual half-cell voltages of Li-naphthalene and Li-DDQ. Upon discharge, the cell shows steady discharge voltage of 2.7 V, which confirms that the electrochemical processes do involve lithium ion shuttling from the anodic compartment to the cathode half-cell. The reversibility or rechargeability is demonstrated by charging the partially discharged cells (i.e., with lithium present in the DDQ half). Once again, a steady voltage close to 3.0 V was observed during charge, indicating that the system is quite reversible. In the subsequent concept-demonstration studies, the ceramic electrolyte has been replaced with a gel polymer electrolyte, e.g., PVDF-HFP (poly vinylene difluoride hexafluoropropene) gel, which has several advantages such as high ionic conductivity (almost comparable to liquid electrolyte and about 2 orders of magnitude better than the ceramic equivalent), lower cost, and possibly higher chemical stability at the anode. In addition, it can be bonded to the electrode by thermal fusion to form membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), as is done in fuel cells.

Development and Application of a Sample Holder for In Situ Gaseous TEM Studies of Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Kamino, Takeo; Yaguchi, Toshie; Shimizu, Takahiro

2017-10-01

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells hold great potential for stationary and mobile applications due to high power density and low operating temperature. However, the structural changes during electrochemical reactions are not well understood. In this article, we detail the development of the sample holder equipped with gas injectors and electric conductors and its application to a membrane electrode assembly of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Hydrogen and oxygen gases were simultaneously sprayed on the surfaces of the anode and cathode catalysts of the membrane electrode assembly sample, respectively, and observation of the structural changes in the catalysts were simultaneously carried out along with measurement of the generated voltages.

Durability of PEM Fuel Cell Membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Xinyu; Reifsnider, Ken

Durability is still a critical limiting factor for the commercialization of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, a leading energy conversion technology for powering future hydrogen fueled automobiles, backup power systems (e.g., for base transceiver station of cellular networks), portable electronic devices, etc. Ionic conducting polymer (ionomer) electrolyte membranes are the critical enabling materials for the PEM fuel cells. They are also widely used as the central functional elements in hydrogen generation (e.g., electrolyzers), membrane cell for chlor-alkali production, etc. A perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer with the trade name Nafion® developed by DuPont™ is the most widely used PEM in chlor-alkali cells and PEM fuel cells. Similar PFSA membranes have been developed by Dow Chemical, Asahi Glass, and lately Solvay Solexis. Frequently, such membranes serve the dual function of reactant separation and selective ionic conduction between two otherwise separate compartments. For some applications, the compromise of the "separation" function via the degradation and mechanical failure of the electrolyte membrane can be the life-limiting factor; this is particularly the case for PEM in hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells.

Three-dimensional ionic conduction in the strained electrolytes of solid oxide fuel cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Han, Yupei; Zou, Minda; Lv, Weiqiang

2016-05-07

Flexible power sources including fuel cells and batteries are the key to realizing flexible electronic devices with pronounced foldability. To understand the bending effects in these devices, theoretical analysis on three-dimensional (3-D) lattice bending is necessary. In this report, we derive a 3-D analytical model to analyze the effects of electrolyte crystal bending on ionic conductivity in flexible solid-state batteries/fuel cells. By employing solid oxide fuel cells as a materials' platform, the intrinsic parameters of bent electrolyte materials, including lattice constant, Young's modulus, and Poisson ratio, are evaluated. Our work facilitates the rational design of highly efficient flexible electrolytes formore » high-performance flexible device applications.« less

Water-Free Proton-Conducting Membranes for Fuel Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narayanan, Sekharipuram; Yen, Shiao-Pin

2007-01-01

Poly-4-vinylpyridinebisulfate (P4VPBS) is a polymeric salt that has shown promise as a water-free proton-conducting material (solid electrolyte) suitable for use in membrane/electrode assemblies in fuel cells. Heretofore, proton-conducting membranes in fuel cells have been made from perfluorinated ionomers that cannot conduct protons in the absence of water and, consequently, cannot function at temperatures >100 C. In addition, the stability of perfluorinated ionomers at temperatures >100 C is questionable. However, the performances of fuel cells of the power systems of which they are parts could be improved if operating temperatures could be raised above 140 C. What is needed to make this possible is a solid-electrolyte material, such as P4VPBS, that can be cast into membranes and that both retains proton conductivity and remains stable in the desired higher operating temperature range. A family of solid-electrolyte materials different from P4VPBS was described in Anhydrous Proton-Conducting Membranes for Fuel Cells (NPO-30493), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 29, No. 8 (August 2005), page 48. Those materials notably include polymeric quaternized amine salts. If molecules of such a polymeric salt could be endowed with flexible chain structures, it would be possible to overcome the deficiencies of simple organic amine salts that must melt before being able to conduct protons. However, no polymeric quaternized amine salts have yet shown to be useful in this respect. The present solid electrolyte is made by quaternizing the linear polymer poly- 4-vinylpyridine (P4VP) to obtain P4VPBS. It is important to start with P4VP having a molecular weight of 160,000 daltons because P4VPBS made from lower-molecular-weight P4VP yields brittle membranes. In an experimental synthesis, P4VP was dissolved in methanol and then reacted with an excess of sulfuric acid to precipitate P4VPBS. The precipitate was recovered, washed several times with methanol to remove traces of acid, and dried to a white granular solid. In another synthesis, nanoparticles of silica rich with surface hydroxyl groups were added to P4VP in methanol solution, which was then reacted with excess sulfuric acid to precipitate granules of a composite that most probably had the composition (P4VPBS)-SiO2-SiO(HSO4)2. The granular P4VPBS produced in the first-mentioned synthesis was dissolved in water to make a glue-like, turbid solution; the granular P4VPBS/silica composite produced in the second-mentioned synthesis was mixed with water to make a turbid, glue-like suspension. The proportions of polymer salt to water in such preparations can be varied; it was found that approximately equal parts of water and polymer salt yield a solution or suspension amenable to further processing.

Low temperature sulfur and sodium metal battery for grid-scale energy storage application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Gao; Wang, Dongdong

A re-chargeable battery comprising a non-dendrite forming sodium (Na)/potassium (K) liquid metal alloy anode, a sulfur and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) conductive polymer composite cathode, a polyethyleneoxide (PEO) solid electrolyte, a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formed on the PEO solid electrolyte; and a cell housing, wherein the anode, cathode, and electrolyte are assembled into the cell housing with the PEO solid electrolyte disposed between the cathode and anode.

Unique Proton Transportation Pathway in a Robust Inorganic Coordination Polymer Leading to Intrinsically High and Sustainable Anhydrous Proton Conductivity.

PubMed

Gui, Daxiang; Dai, Xing; Tao, Zetian; Zheng, Tao; Wang, Xiangxiang; Silver, Mark A; Shu, Jie; Chen, Lanhua; Wang, Yanlong; Zhang, Tiantian; Xie, Jian; Zou, Lin; Xia, Yuanhua; Zhang, Jujia; Zhang, Jin; Zhao, Ling; Diwu, Juan; Zhou, Ruhong; Chai, Zhifang; Wang, Shuao

2018-05-16

Although comprehensive progress has been made in the area of coordination polymer (CP)/metal-organic framework (MOF)-based proton-conducting materials over the past decade, searching for a CP/MOF with stable, intrinsic, high anhydrous proton conductivity that can be directly used as a practical electrolyte in an intermediate-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cell assembly for durable power generation remains a substantial challenge. Here, we introduce a new proton-conducting CP, (NH 4 ) 3 [Zr(H 2/3 PO 4 ) 3 ] (ZrP), which consists of one-dimensional zirconium phosphate anionic chains and fully ordered charge-balancing NH 4 + cations. X-ray crystallography, neutron powder diffraction, and variable-temperature solid-state NMR spectroscopy suggest that protons are disordered within an inherent hydrogen-bonded infinite chain of acid-base pairs (N-H···O-P), leading to a stable anhydrous proton conductivity of 1.45 × 10 -3 S·cm -1 at 180 °C, one of the highest values among reported intermediate-temperature proton-conducting materials. First-principles and quantum molecular dynamics simulations were used to directly visualize the unique proton transport pathway involving very efficient proton exchange between NH 4 + and phosphate pairs, which is distinct from the common guest encapsulation/dehydration/superprotonic transition mechanisms. ZrP as the electrolyte was further assembled into a H 2 /O 2 fuel cell, which showed a record-high electrical power density of 12 mW·cm -2 at 180 °C among reported cells assembled from crystalline solid electrolytes, as well as a direct methanol fuel cell for the first time to demonstrate real applications. These cells were tested for over 15 h without notable power loss.

Hybrid deposition of thin film solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers

DOEpatents

Jankowski, A.F.; Makowiecki, D.M.; Rambach, G.D.; Randich, E.

1998-05-19

The use of vapor deposition techniques enables synthesis of the basic components of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC); namely, the electrolyte layer, the two electrodes, and the electrolyte-electrode interfaces. Such vapor deposition techniques provide solutions to each of the three critical steps of material synthesis to produce a thin film solid oxide fuel cell (TFSOFC). The electrolyte is formed by reactive deposition of essentially any ion conducting oxide, such as defect free, yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) by planar magnetron sputtering. The electrodes are formed from ceramic powders sputter coated with an appropriate metal and sintered to a porous compact. The electrolyte-electrode interface is formed by chemical vapor deposition of zirconia compounds onto the porous electrodes to provide a dense, smooth surface on which to continue the growth of the defect-free electrolyte, whereby a single fuel cell or multiple cells may be fabricated. 8 figs.

Hybrid deposition of thin film solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers

DOEpatents

Jankowski, Alan F.; Makowiecki, Daniel M.; Rambach, Glenn D.; Randich, Erik

1999-01-01

The use of vapor deposition techniques enables synthesis of the basic components of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC); namely, the electrolyte layer, the two electrodes, and the electrolyte-electrode interfaces. Such vapor deposition techniques provide solutions to each of the three critical steps of material synthesis to produce a thin film solid oxide fuel cell (TFSOFC). The electrolyte is formed by reactive deposition of essentially any ion conducting oxide, such as defect free, yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) by planar magnetron sputtering. The electrodes are formed from ceramic powders sputter coated with an appropriate metal and sintered to a porous compact. The electrolyte-electrode interface is formed by chemical vapor deposition of zirconia compounds onto the porous electrodes to provide a dense, smooth surface on which to continue the growth of the defect-free electrolyte, whereby a single fuel cell or multiple cells may be fabricated.

Hybrid deposition of thin film solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers

DOEpatents

Jankowski, Alan F.; Makowiecki, Daniel M.; Rambach, Glenn D.; Randich, Erik

1998-01-01

The use of vapor deposition techniques enables synthesis of the basic components of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC); namely, the electrolyte layer, the two electrodes, and the electrolyte-electrode interfaces. Such vapor deposition techniques provide solutions to each of the three critical steps of material synthesis to produce a thin film solid oxide fuel cell (TFSOFC). The electrolyte is formed by reactive deposition of essentially any ion conducting oxide, such as defect free, yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) by planar magnetron sputtering. The electrodes are formed from ceramic powders sputter coated with an appropriate metal and sintered to a porous compact. The electrolyte-electrode interface is formed by chemical vapor deposition of zirconia compounds onto the porous electrodes to provide a dense, smooth surface on which to continue the growth of the defect-free electrolyte, whereby a single fuel cell or multiple cells may be fabricated.

Biodegradation test of SPS-LS blends as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putri, Zufira; Arcana, I. Made

2014-03-01

Sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) can be applied as a proton exchange membrane fuel cell due to its fairly good chemical stability. In order to be applied as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), membrane polymer should have a good ionic conductivity, high proton conductivity, and high mechanical strength. Lignosulfonate (LS) is a complex biopolymer which has crosslinks and sulfonate groups. SPS-LS blends with addition of SiO2 are used to increase the proton conductivity and to improve the mechanical properties and thermal stability. However, the biodegradation test of SPS-LS blends is required to determine whether the application of these membranes to be applied as an environmentally friendly membrane. In this study, had been done the synthesis of SPS, biodegradability test of SPS-LS blends with variations of LS and SiO2 compositions. The biodegradation test was carried out in solid medium of Luria Bertani (LB) with an activated sludge used as a source of microorganism at incubation temperature of 37°C. Based on the results obtained indicated that SPS-LS-SiO2 blends are more decomposed by microorganism than SPS-LS blends. This result is supported by analysis of weight reduction percentage, functional groups with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and morphological surface with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Advanced Energy Storage and Conversion Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

determined lithium-ion insertion mechanisms. 3.1 Background and Objectives Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells ( PEMFCs ) function by permitting...is one of the most critical components in the polymer electrolyte fuel cells. In recent years, PEMFCs have been identified as promising power...and residual hydrocarbons that are commonly produced by internal combustion engines. PEMFCs , due to their high efficiency and modularity of design

High-performance solid polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries operational at ambient temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mindemark, Jonas; Sun, Bing; Törmä, Erik; Brandell, Daniel

2015-12-01

Incorporation of carbonate repeating units in a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) backbone used as a host material in solid polymer electrolytes is found to not only suppress crystallinity in the polyester material, but also give higher ionic conductivity in a wide temperature range exceeding the melting point of PCL crystallites. Combined with high cation transference numbers, this electrolyte material has sufficient lithium transport properties to be used in battery cells that are operational at temperatures down to below 23 °C, thus clearly demonstrating the potential of using non-polyether electrolytes in high-performance all-solid lithium polymer batteries.

Taichi-inspired rigid-flexible coupling cellulose-supported solid polymer electrolyte for high-performance lithium batteries

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jianjun; Yue, Liping; Hu, Pu; Liu, Zhihong; Qin, Bingsheng; Zhang, Bo; Wang, Qingfu; Ding, Guoliang; Zhang, Chuanjian; Zhou, Xinhong; Yao, Jianhua; Cui, Guanglei; Chen, Liquan

2014-01-01

Inspired by Taichi, we proposed rigid-flexible coupling concept and herein developed a highly promising solid polymer electrolyte comprised of poly (ethylene oxide), poly (cyano acrylate), lithium bis(oxalate)borate and robust cellulose nonwoven. Our investigation revealed that this new class solid polymer electrolyte possessed comprehensive properties in high mechanical integrity strength, sufficient ionic conductivity (3 × 10−4 S cm−1) at 60°C and improved dimensional thermostability (up to 160°C). In addition, the lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4)/lithium (Li) cell using such solid polymer electrolyte displayed superior rate capacity (up to 6 C) and stable cycle performance at 80°C. Furthermore, the LiFePO4/Li battery could also operate very well even at an elevated temperature of 160°C, thus improving enhanced safety performance of lithium batteries. The use of this solid polymer electrolyte mitigates the safety risk and widens the operation temperature range of lithium batteries. Thus, this fascinating study demonstrates a proof of concept of the use of rigid-flexible coupling solid polymer electrolyte toward practical lithium battery applications with improved reliability and safety. PMID:25183416

Studies on Methanol Crossover in Liquid-Feed Direct Methanol Pem Fuel Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narayanan, S. R.

1995-01-01

The performance of liquid feed direct methanol fuel cells using various types of Nafion membranes as the solid polymer electrolyte have been studied. The rate of fuel crossover and electrical performance has been measured for cells with Nafion membranes of various thicknesses and equivalent weights. The crossover rate is found to decrease with increasing thickness and applied current. The dependence of crossover rate on current density can be understood in terms of a simple linear diffusion model which suggests that the crossover rate can be influenced by the electrode structure in addition to the membrane. The studies suggest that Nafion EW 1500 is a very promising alternate to Nafion EW 1100 for direct methanol fuel cells.

Optimized performance of quasi-solid-state DSSC with PEO-bismaleimide polymer blend electrolytes filled with a novel procedure.

PubMed

Lee, Dong Ha; Sun, Kyung Chul; Qadir, Muhammad Bilal; Jeong, Sung Hoon

2014-12-01

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is an attractive renewable energy technology currently under intense investigation. Electrolyte plays an important role in the photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs and many efforts have been contributed to study different kinds of electrolytes with various characteristics such as liquid electrolytes, polymer electrolytes and so on. In this study, DSSC is developed by using quasi-solid electrolyte and a novel procedure is adopted for filling this electrolyte. The quasi-solid-state electrolyte was prepared by mixing Poly ethylene oxide (PEO) and bismaleimide together and constitution was taken as PEO (15 wt%) at various bismaleimide concentrations (1, 3, 5 wt%). The novel procedure of filling electrolyte consists of three major steps (first step: filling liquid electrolyte, second step: vaporization of liquid electrolyte, third step: refilling quasi-solid-state electrolyte). The electrochemical and photovoltaic performances of DSSCs with these electrolytes were also investigated. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicated that TiO2/Dye/electrolyte impedance is reduced and electron lifetime is increased, and consequently efficiency of cell has been improved after using this novel procedure. The photovoltaic power conversion efficiency of 6.39% has been achieved under AM 1.5 simulated sunlight (100 W/cm2) through this novel procedure and by using specified blend of polymers.

Investigating catalyst coated membrane equilibration time for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cote, Philippe

Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Fuel Cell Division, manufactures polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stacks for use in vehicles. The manufacturing line is being optimized for efficiency and quality control, in order to uphold the high standards of Mercedes-Benz Inc. vehicles. In an operating polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, the catalyst coated membrane facilitates the electrochemical reaction that generates electricity. This research examines the equilibration of catalyst coated membrane rolls to controlled temperature and humidity conditions, before they are used in the manufacturing of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Equilibration involves allowing the water content in the catalyst coated membrane to stabilize at the controlled conditions, in order to reduce mechanical stress in the material for better manufacturability. Initial equilibration measurements were conducted on discrete catalyst coated membrane samples using novel electronic conductivity measurements of the catalyst layer, and compared to ionic conductivity measurements of the membrane. Electronic conductivity measurements are easier to implement in the manufacturing environment than the more complex ionic conductivity measurements. When testing discrete catalyst coated membrane samples in an environmental chamber, the equilibration trends for the measured ionic and electronic conductivity signals were similar enough to permit us to adapt the electronic conductivity measurements for catalyst coated membrane in roll form. Equilibration measurements of catalyst coated membrane rolls were optimized to achieve a robust and repeatable procedure which could be used in the manufacturing environment at Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Fuel Cell Division.

Novel carbon-ion fuel cells. Quarterly technical report, April--June 1996

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cocks, F.H.

1996-11-01

This report presents research to develop a new type of of fuel cell using a solid electrolyte that transports carbon ions. This new class of fuel cell would use solid C dissolved in molten metal (carbide) as a fuel reservoir and anode; thus expensive gas or liquid fuel would not be required. Thermodynamic efficiency of carbon-ion fuel cells is reviewed, as are electrolyte crystal structures (oxide and fluorite carbides). The sequence of laboratory research procedures for developing a solid C-ion electrolyte and to determine the ionic conductivity of C ions therein is outlined; results of the laboratory research to datemore » are summarized, including XRD analysis of crystal structures and transition temperatures of carbides (La, Ce, Be, Al) and SIMS of carbon isotopes.« less

Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE) fuel cell technology program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

Many previously demonstrated improved fuel cell features were consolidated to (1) obtain a better understanding of the observed characteristics of the operating laboratory-sized cells; (2) evaluate appropriate improved fuel cell features in 0.7 sq ft cell hardware; and (3) study the resultant fuel cell capability and determine its impact on various potential fuel cell space missions. The observed performance characteristics of the fuel cell at high temperatures and high current densities were matched with a theoretical model based on the change in Gibbs free energy voltage with respect to temperature and internal resistance change with current density. Excellent agreement between the observed and model performance was obtained. The observed performance decay with operational time on cells with very low noble metal loadings (0.05 mg/sq cm) were shown to be related to loss in surface area. Cells with the baseline amount of noble catalyst electrode loading demonstrated over 40,000 hours of stable performance.

Nano-sponge ionic liquid-polymer composite electrolytes for solid-state lithium power sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Kang-Shyang; Sutto, Thomas E.; Andreoli, Enrico; Ajayan, Pulickel; McGrady, Karen A.; Curran, Seamus A.

Solid polymer gel electrolytes composed of 75 wt.% of the ionic liquid, 1- n-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis-trifluoromethanesulfonylimide with 1.0 M lithium bis-trifluoromethanesulfonylimide and 25 wt.% poly(vinylidenedifluoro-hexafluoropropene) are characterized as the electrolyte/separator in solid-state lithium batteries. The ionic conductivity of these gels ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 mS cm -1, which is several orders of magnitude more conductive than any of the more commonly used solid polymers, and comparable to the best solid gel electrolytes currently used in industry. TGA indicates that these polymer gel electrolytes are thermally stable to over 280 °C, and do not begin to thermally decompose until over 300 °C; exhibiting a significant advancement in the safety of lithium batteries. Atomic force microscopy images of these solid thin films indicate that these polymer gel electrolytes have the structure of nano-sponges, with a sub-micron pore size. For these thin film batteries, 150 charge-discharge cycles are run for Li xCoO 2 where x is cycled between 0.95 down to 0.55. Minimal internal resistance effects are observed over the charging cycles, indicating the high ionic conductivity of the ionic liquid solid polymer gel electrolyte. The overall cell efficiency is approximately 98%, and no significant loss in battery efficiency is observed over the 150 cycles.

Annular feed air breathing fuel cell stack

DOEpatents

Wilson, Mahlon S.

1996-01-01

A stack of polymer electrolyte fuel cells is formed from a plurality of unit cells where each unit cell includes fuel cell components defining a periphery and distributed along a common axis, where the fuel cell components include a polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode and a cathode contacting opposite sides of the membrane, and fuel and oxygen flow fields contacting the anode and the cathode, respectively, wherein the components define an annular region therethrough along the axis. A fuel distribution manifold within the annular region is connected to deliver fuel to the fuel flow field in each of the unit cells. In a particular embodiment, a single bolt through the annular region clamps the unit cells together. In another embodiment, separator plates between individual unit cells have an extended radial dimension to function as cooling fins for maintaining the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack.

Electrode property of single-walled carbon nanotubes in all-solid-state lithium ion battery using polymer electrolyte

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sakamoto, Y.; Ishii, Y.; Kawasaki, S., E-mail: kawasaki.shinji@nitech.ac.jp

2016-07-06

Electrode properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in an all-solid-state lithium ion battery were investigated using poly-ethylene oxide (PEO) solid electrolyte. Charge-discharge curves of SWCNTs in the solid electrolyte cell were successfully observed. It was found that PEO electrolyte decomposes on the surface of SWCNTs.

Mass Spectrometry of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Johánek, Viktor; Ostroverkh, Anna; Fiala, Roman; Rednyk, Andrii; Matolín, Vladimír

2016-01-01

The chemical analysis of processes inside fuel cells under operating conditions in either direct or inverted (electrolysis) mode and their correlation with potentiostatic measurements is a crucial part of understanding fuel cell electrochemistry. We present a relatively simple yet powerful experimental setup for online monitoring of the fuel cell exhaust (of either cathode or anode side) downstream by mass spectrometry. The influence of a variety of parameters (composition of the catalyst, fuel type or its concentration, cell temperature, level of humidification, mass flow rate, power load, cell potential, etc.) on the fuel cell operation can be easily investigated separately or in a combined fashion. We demonstrate the application of this technique on a few examples of low-temperature (70°C herein) polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (both alcohol- and hydrogen-fed) subjected to a wide range of conditions.

Mass Spectrometry of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

Ostroverkh, Anna; Fiala, Roman; Rednyk, Andrii; Matolín, Vladimír

2016-01-01

The chemical analysis of processes inside fuel cells under operating conditions in either direct or inverted (electrolysis) mode and their correlation with potentiostatic measurements is a crucial part of understanding fuel cell electrochemistry. We present a relatively simple yet powerful experimental setup for online monitoring of the fuel cell exhaust (of either cathode or anode side) downstream by mass spectrometry. The influence of a variety of parameters (composition of the catalyst, fuel type or its concentration, cell temperature, level of humidification, mass flow rate, power load, cell potential, etc.) on the fuel cell operation can be easily investigated separately or in a combined fashion. We demonstrate the application of this technique on a few examples of low-temperature (70°C herein) polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (both alcohol- and hydrogen-fed) subjected to a wide range of conditions. PMID:28042492

Low Crossover Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prakash, G. K. Surya; Smart, Marshall; Atti, Anthony R.; Olah, George A.; Narayanan, S. R.; Valdez, T.; Surampudi, S.

1996-01-01

Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC's) using polymer electrolyte membranes are promising power sources for portable and vehicular applications. State of the art technology using Nafion(R) 117 membranes (Dupont) are limited by high methanol permeability and cost, resulting in reduced fuel cell efficiencies and impractical commercialization. Therefore, much research in the fuel cell field is focused on the preparation and testing of low crossover and cost efficient polymer electrolyte membranes. The University of Southern California in cooperation with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is focused on development of such materials. Interpenetrating polymer networks are an effective method used to blend polymer systems without forming chemical links. They provide the ability to modify physical and chemical properties of polymers by optimizing blend compositions. We have developed a novel interpenetrating polymer network based on poly (vinyl - difluoride)/cross-linked polystyrenesulfonic acid polymer composites (PVDF PSSA). Sulfonation of polystyrene accounts for protonic conductivity while the non-polar, PVDF backbone provides structural integrity in addition to methanol rejection. Precursor materials were prepared and analyzed to characterize membrane crystallinity, stability and degree of interpenetration. USC JPL PVDF-PSSA membranes were also characterized to determine methanol permeability, protonic conductivity and sulfur distribution. Membranes were fabricated into membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) and tested for single cell performance. Tests include cell performance over a wide range of temperatures (20 C - 90 C) and cathode conditions (ambient Air/O2). Methanol crossover values are measured in situ using an in-line CO2 analyzer.

Super Soft All-Ethylene Oxide Polymer Electrolyte for Safe All-Solid Lithium Batteries

PubMed Central

Porcarelli, Luca; Gerbaldi, Claudio; Bella, Federico; Nair, Jijeesh Ravi

2016-01-01

Here we demonstrate that by regulating the mobility of classic −EO− based backbones, an innovative polymer electrolyte system can be architectured. This polymer electrolyte allows the construction of all solid lithium-based polymer cells having outstanding cycling behaviour in terms of rate capability and stability over a wide range of operating temperatures. Polymer electrolytes are obtained by UV-induced (co)polymerization, which promotes an effective interlinking between the polyethylene oxide (PEO) chains plasticized by tetraglyme at various lithium salt concentrations. The polymer networks exhibit sterling mechanical robustness, high flexibility, homogeneous and highly amorphous characteristics. Ambient temperature ionic conductivity values exceeding 0.1 mS cm−1 are obtained, along with a wide electrochemical stability window (>5 V vs. Li/Li+), excellent lithium ion transference number (>0.6) as well as interfacial stability. Moreover, the efficacious resistance to lithium dendrite nucleation and growth postulates the implementation of these polymer electrolytes in next generation of all-solid Li-metal batteries working at ambient conditions. PMID:26791572

Super Soft All-Ethylene Oxide Polymer Electrolyte for Safe All-Solid Lithium Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porcarelli, Luca; Gerbaldi, Claudio; Bella, Federico; Nair, Jijeesh Ravi

2016-01-01

Here we demonstrate that by regulating the mobility of classic -EO- based backbones, an innovative polymer electrolyte system can be architectured. This polymer electrolyte allows the construction of all solid lithium-based polymer cells having outstanding cycling behaviour in terms of rate capability and stability over a wide range of operating temperatures. Polymer electrolytes are obtained by UV-induced (co)polymerization, which promotes an effective interlinking between the polyethylene oxide (PEO) chains plasticized by tetraglyme at various lithium salt concentrations. The polymer networks exhibit sterling mechanical robustness, high flexibility, homogeneous and highly amorphous characteristics. Ambient temperature ionic conductivity values exceeding 0.1 mS cm-1 are obtained, along with a wide electrochemical stability window (>5 V vs. Li/Li+), excellent lithium ion transference number (>0.6) as well as interfacial stability. Moreover, the efficacious resistance to lithium dendrite nucleation and growth postulates the implementation of these polymer electrolytes in next generation of all-solid Li-metal batteries working at ambient conditions.

Process to produce lithium-polymer batteries

DOEpatents

MacFadden, Kenneth Orville

1998-01-01

A polymer bonded sheet product suitable for use as an electrode in a non-aqueous battery system. A porous electrode sheet is impregnated with a solid polymer electrolyte, so as to diffuse into the pores of the electrode. The composite is allowed to cool, and the electrolyte is entrapped in the porous electrode. The sheet products composed have the solid polymer electrolyte composition diffused into the active electrode material by melt-application of the solid polymer electrolyte composition into the porous electrode material sheet. The solid polymer electrolyte is maintained at a temperature that allows for rapid diffusion into the pores of the electrode. The composite electrolyte-electrode sheets are formed on current collectors and can be coated with solid polymer electrolyte prior to battery assembly. The interface between the solid polymer electrolyte composite electrodes and the solid polymer electrolyte coating has low resistance.

Spatially resolved, in situ potential measurements through porous electrodes as applied to fuel cells.

PubMed

Hess, Katherine C; Epting, William K; Litster, Shawn

2011-12-15

We report the development and use of a microstructured electrode scaffold (MES) to make spatially resolved, in situ, electrolyte potential measurements through the thickness of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) electrode. This new approach uses a microfabricated apparatus to analyze the coupled transport and electrochemical phenomena in porous electrodes at the microscale. In this study, the MES allows the fuel cell to run under near-standard operating conditions, while providing electrolyte potential measurements at discrete distances through the electrode's thickness. Here we use spatial distributions of electrolyte potential to evaluate the effects of Ohmic and mass transport resistances on the through-plane reaction distribution for various operating conditions. Additionally, we use the potential distributions to estimate the ionic conductivity of the electrode. Our results indicate the in situ conductivity is higher than typically estimated for PEFC electrodes based on bulk polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) conductivity.

Method for producing electricity from a fuel cell having solid-oxide ionic electrolyte

DOEpatents

Mason, David M.

1984-01-01

Stabilized quadrivalent cation oxide electrolytes are employed in fuel cells at elevated temperatures with a carbon and/or hydrogen containing fuel anode and an oxygen cathode. The fuel cell is operated at elevated temperatures with conductive metallic coatings as electrodes and desirably having the electrolyte surface blackened. Of particular interest as the quadrivalent oxide is zirconia.

High-Performance Flexible Solid-State Supercapacitor with an Extended Nanoregime Interface through in Situ Polymer Electrolyte Generation.

PubMed

Anothumakkool, Bihag; Torris A T, Arun; Veeliyath, Sajna; Vijayakumar, Vidyanand; Badiger, Manohar V; Kurungot, Sreekumar

2016-01-20

Here, we report an efficient strategy by which a significantly enhanced electrode-electrolyte interface in an electrode for supercapacitor application could be accomplished by allowing in situ polymer gel electrolyte generation inside the nanopores of the electrodes. This unique and highly efficient strategy could be conceived by judiciously maintaining ultraviolet-triggered polymerization of a monomer mixture in the presence of a high-surface-area porous carbon. The method is very simple and scalable, and a prototype, flexible solid-state supercapacitor could even be demonstrated in an encapsulation-free condition by using the commercial-grade electrodes (thickness = 150 μm, area = 12 cm(2), and mass loading = 7.3 mg/cm(2)). This prototype device shows a capacitance of 130 F/g at a substantially reduced internal resistance of 0.5 Ω and a high capacitance retention of 84% after 32000 cycles. The present system is found to be clearly outperforming a similar system derived by using the conventional polymer electrolyte (PVA-H3PO4 as the electrolyte), which could display a capacitance of only 95 F/g, and this value falls to nearly 50% in just 5000 cycles. The superior performance in the present case is credited primarily to the excellent interface formation of the in situ generated polymer electrolyte inside the nanopores of the electrode. Further, the interpenetrated nature of the polymer also helps the device to show a low electron spin resonance and power rate and, most importantly, excellent shelf-life in the unsealed flexible conditions. Because the nature of the electrode-electrolyte interface is the major performance-determining factor in the case of many electrochemical energy storage/conversion systems, along with the supercapacitors, the developed process can also find applications in preparing electrodes for the devices such as lithium-ion batteries, metal-air batteries, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, etc.

DEVELOPMENT AND SELECTION OF IONIC LIQUID ELECTROLYTES FOR HYDROXIDE CONDUCTING POLYBENZIMIDAZOLE MEMBRANES IN ALKALINE FUEL CELLS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fox, E.

2012-05-01

Alkaline fuel cell (AFC) operation is currently limited to specialty applications such as low temperatures and pure HO due to the corrosive nature of the electrolyte and formation of carbonates. AFCs are the cheapest and potentially most efficient (approaching 70%) fuel cells. The fact that non-Pt catalysts can be used, makes them an ideal low cost alternative for power production. The anode and cathode are separated by and solid electrolyte or alkaline porous media saturated with KOH. However, CO from the atmosphere or fuel feed severely poisons the electrolyte by forming insoluble carbonates. The corrosivity of KOH (electrolyte) limits operatingmore » temperatures to no more than 80°C. This chapter examines the development of ionic liquids electrolytes that are less corrosive, have higher operating temperatures, do not chemically bond to CO and enable alternative fuels. Work is detailed on the IL selection and characterization as well as casting methods within the polybenzimidazole based solid membrane. This approach is novel as it targets the root of the problem (the electrolyte) unlike other current work in alkaline fuel cells which focus on making the fuel cell components more durable.« less

Process to produce lithium-polymer batteries

DOEpatents

MacFadden, K.O.

1998-06-30

A polymer bonded sheet product is described suitable for use as an electrode in a non-aqueous battery system. A porous electrode sheet is impregnated with a solid polymer electrolyte, so as to diffuse into the pores of the electrode. The composite is allowed to cool, and the electrolyte is entrapped in the porous electrode. The sheet products composed have the solid polymer electrolyte composition diffused into the active electrode material by melt-application of the solid polymer electrolyte composition into the porous electrode material sheet. The solid polymer electrolyte is maintained at a temperature that allows for rapid diffusion into the pores of the electrode. The composite electrolyte-electrode sheets are formed on current collectors and can be coated with solid polymer electrolyte prior to battery assembly. The interface between the solid polymer electrolyte composite electrodes and the solid polymer electrolyte coating has low resistance. 1 fig.

Solid oxide fuel cell with single material for electrodes and interconnect

DOEpatents

McPheeters, Charles C.; Nelson, Paul A.; Dees, Dennis W.

1994-01-01

A solid oxide fuel cell having a plurality of individual cells. A solid oxide fuel cell has an anode and a cathode with electrolyte disposed therebetween, and the anode, cathode and interconnect elements are comprised of substantially one material.

Testing of a De Nora polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack of 1 kW for naval applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmal, D.; Kluiters, C. E.; Barendregt, I. P.

In a previous study calculations were carried out for a navy frigate with respect to the energy consumption of a propulsion/electricity generation system based on fuel cells. The fuel consumption for the 'all-fuel cell' ship was compared with the consumption of the current propulsion/electricity generation system based on gas turbines and diesel engines; it showed potential energy savings of a fuel cell based system amounting from 25 to 30%. On the basis of these results and taking into account various military aspects it was decided to start tests with a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) stack. For this purpose a De Nora 1 kW PEFC was chosen. Results of the first tests after installation are satisfying.

Novel carbon-ion fuel cells. Quarterly technical report No. 10, January 1, 1996--March 31, 1996

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cocks, F.H.

1996-08-01

This report presents research to develop an entirely new, fundamentally different class of fuel cell using a solid electrolyte that transports carbon ions. This fuel cell would use solid carbon dissolved in molten metal as a fuel reservoir and anode; expensive gaseous or liquid fuel would not be required. A high temperature fuel cell based on a carbon ion membrane/electrolyte would operate in a way like yttria-doped zirconia solid oxide fuel cells; however, the fuel cell would transport the C ion from a fuel source to O{sub 2} in the atmosphere. Such fuel cells, operating above 1000 C, would producemore » an exhaust gas that could be fed directly into existing boilers, and could thus act as ``topping cycles`` to existing power plant steam cycles.« less

Annular feed air breathing fuel cell stack

DOEpatents

Wilson, Mahlon S.; Neutzler, Jay K.

1997-01-01

A stack of polymer electrolyte fuel cells is formed from a plurality of unit cells where each unit cell includes fuel cell components defining a periphery and distributed along a common axis, where the fuel cell components include a polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode and a cathode contacting opposite sides of the membrane, and fuel and oxygen flow fields contacting the anode and the cathode, respectively, wherein the components define an annular region therethrough along the axis. A fuel distribution manifold within the annular region is connected to deliver fuel to the fuel flow field in each of the unit cells. The fuel distribution manifold is formed from a hydrophilic-like material to redistribute water produced by fuel and oxygen reacting at the cathode. In a particular embodiment, a single bolt through the annular region clamps the unit cells together. In another embodiment, separator plates between individual unit cells have an extended radial dimension to function as cooling fins for maintaining the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack.

Biodegradation test of SPS-LS blends as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Putri, Zufira, E-mail: zufira.putri@gmail.com, E-mail: arcana@chem.itb.ac.id; Arcana, I Made, E-mail: zufira.putri@gmail.com, E-mail: arcana@chem.itb.ac.id

Sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) can be applied as a proton exchange membrane fuel cell due to its fairly good chemical stability. In order to be applied as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), membrane polymer should have a good ionic conductivity, high proton conductivity, and high mechanical strength. Lignosulfonate (LS) is a complex biopolymer which has crosslinks and sulfonate groups. SPS-LS blends with addition of SiO{sub 2} are used to increase the proton conductivity and to improve the mechanical properties and thermal stability. However, the biodegradation test of SPS-LS blends is required to determine whether the application of these membranes tomore » be applied as an environmentally friendly membrane. In this study, had been done the synthesis of SPS, biodegradability test of SPS-LS blends with variations of LS and SiO{sub 2} compositions. The biodegradation test was carried out in solid medium of Luria Bertani (LB) with an activated sludge used as a source of microorganism at incubation temperature of 37°C. Based on the results obtained indicated that SPS-LS-SiO{sub 2} blends are more decomposed by microorganism than SPS-LS blends. This result is supported by analysis of weight reduction percentage, functional groups with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and morphological surface with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)« less

Efficient and Stable Photovoltaic Characteristics of Quasi-Solid State DSSC using Polymer Gel Electrolyte Based on Ionic Liquid in Organosiloxane Polymer Gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pujiarti, H.; Arsyad, W. S.; Shobih; Muliani, L.; Hidayat, R.

2018-04-01

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) is still one of the promising solar cell types among the third generation of solar cells because of easiness of fabrication and variety of available materials. In this type of solar cell, the electrolyte is one of the important components for regenerating excited dyes and transporting electric charge carriers to the counter electrode. Indeed, the power conversion efficiency of DSSC can be then significantly affected by the chemical and physical properties of the electrolyte. The simplest electrolyte system of an I-/I3 - redox couple in an organic solvent, however, has some drawbacks due to corrosive properties, volatile and leakage problem. Use of solid phase or gel phase electrolyte may overcome those problems, but it is often considered to suppress the efficiency due to low ion diffusion. Here, we report the photovoltaic characteristics of DSSC using polymer gel electrolyte (PGE), which is composed of ionic liquid and an organosiloxane polymer gel. The better cell performance with power conversion efficiency of about 6% has been obtained by optimizing the mesoporous size of the TiO2 layer and the PGE viscosity.

35-We polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell system for notebook computer using a compact fuel processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, In-Hyuk; Shin, Woo-Cheol; Lee, Yong-Kul; Lee, Sung-Chul; Ahn, Jin-Gu; Han, Sang-Il; kweon, Ho-Jin; Kim, Ju-Yong; Kim, Moon-Chan; Park, Jun-Yong

A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system is developed to power a notebook computer. The system consists of a compact methanol-reforming system with a CO preferential oxidation unit, a 16-cell PEMFC stack, and a control unit for the management of the system with a d.c.-d.c. converter. The compact fuel-processor system (260 cm 3) generates about 1.2 L min -1 of reformate, which corresponds to 35 We, with a low CO concentration (<30 ppm, typically 0 ppm), and is thus proven to be capable of being targetted at notebook computers.

Recent Advances in Fast Ion Conducting Materials and Devices - Proceedings of the 2nd Asian Conference on Solid State Ionics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdari, B. V. R.; Liu, Qingguo; Chen, Liquan

The Table of Contents for the book is as follows: * Preface * Invited Papers * Recent Trends in Solid State Ionics * Theoretical Aspects of Fast Ion Conduction in Solids * Chemical Bonding and Intercalation Processes in Framework Structures * Extra-Large Near-Electrode Regions and Diffusion Length on the Solid Electrolyte-Electrode Interface as Studied by Photo-EMF Method * Frequency Response of Glasses * XPS Studies on Ion Conducting Glasses * Characterization of New Ambient Temperature Lithium Polymer-Electrolyte * Recent Development of Polymer Electrolytes: Solid State Voltammetry in Polymer Electrolytes * Secondary Solid State Batteries: From Material Properties to Commercial Development * Silver Vanadium Oxide Bronze and its Applications for Electrochemical Devices * Study on β''-Alumina Solid Electrolyte and β Battery in SIC * Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells * Processing for Super Superionic Ceramics * Hydrogen Production Using Oxide Ionic or Protonic Conductor * Ionically Conductive Sulfide-Based Lithium Glasses * Relation of Conductivity to Structure and Structural Relaxation in Ion-Conducting Glasses * The Mechanism of Ionic Conductivity in Glass * The Role of Synthesis and Structure in Solid State Ionics - Electrodes to Superconductors * Electrochromism in Spin-Coated Thin Films from Peroxo-Poly tungstate Solutions * Electrochemical Studies on High Tc Superconductors * Multivalence Fast Ionic Conductors - Montmorillonites * Contributed Papers * Volt-Ampere Characteristics and Interface Charge Transport in Solid Electrolytes * Internal Friction of Silver Chalcogenides * Thermal Expansion of Ionic and Superionic Solids * Improvement of PEO-LiCF3SO3 Complex Electrolytes Using Additives * Ionic Conductivity of Modified Poly (Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol Methacrylate) s-Lithium Salt Complexes * Solid Polymer Electrolytes of Crosslinked Polyethylene Glycol and Lithium Salts * Single Ionic Conductors Prepared by in Situ Polymerization of Methacrylic Acid Alkali Metal Salts in Polyethylene Oxide * Redox Behavior of Alkyl Viologens in Ion Conductive Polymer Solid * Ionic Conductivity of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Containing LiClO4 * Electrochemical Behaviors of Porphyrins Incorporated into Solid Polymer Electrolytes * Lithium Ion Conducting Polymer Electrolytes * Electrochemical Synthesis of Polyaniline Thin Film * Electrochemical Aspect of Polyaniline Electrode in Aqueous Electrolyte * Mixed Cation Effect in Epoxy Resin - PEO-IPN Containing Perchlorate Salts * Conductivity, Raman and IR Studies on the Doped PEO-PPG Polymer Blends * Proton Conducting Polymeric Electrolytes from Poly (Ethyleneoxide) System * Surface Structure of Polymer Solid Ionic Conductors Based on Segmented Polyether Polyurethaneureas * Study on Addition Products of LiI and Diethylene Glycol etc. * Solid State Rechargeable Battery Using Paper Form Copper Ion Conductive Solid Electrolyte * Characterization of Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces in Battery Li/PVAC-Li-Mont./Li1+xV3O8 by AC Impedance Method * Investigation on Reversibility of Vanadium Oxide Cathode Materials in Solid-State Battery * Preparation and Characterization of Silver Boromolybdate Solid State Batteries * The Electric Properties of the Trinary Cathode Material and its Application in Magnisium Solid State Cell * Electrical Properties and Phase Relation of Na2Mo0.1S0.9O4 Doped with Rare Earth Sulfate * New Electrochemical Probe for Rapid Determination of Silicon Concentration in Hot Metals * A New Theoretical EMF Expression for SOx(x = 2, 3) Sensors Based on Na2SO4 Solid Electrolyte * Evaluation of the Electrochemical SOx(x = 2, 3) Sensor with a Tubular Nasicon Electrolyte * The Response Time of a Modified Oxygen Sensor Using Zirconia Electrolyte * Preparation, Characteristics and Sintering Behavior of MgO-PSZ Powder * Reaction between La0.9MnO3 and Yttria Doped Zirconia * Development of the Extended-Life Oxygen Sensor of Caβ''-Al2O3 * Caβ''-Al2O3 Ultra-Low Oxygen Sensor * Measurement of Sulfur Concentration with Zirconia-Based Electrolyte Cell in Molten Iron * Influence of SO2 on the Conductivity of Calcia Stabilized Zirconia * Reactions between YSZ and La1-xCaxMnO3 as a Cathode for SOFC * Preparation and Electrical Properties of Lithium β''-Alumina * Influence of Lithia Content on Properties of β''-Alumina Ceramics * Electrical Conductivity of Solid Solutions of Na2SO4 with Na2SeO4 * Effect of Antagonist XO42- = MoO42- and WO42- Ion Substitution on the Electrical Conductivity of Li2SO4 : Li2CO3 Eutectic System * Study on the Electrical Properties and Structure of Multicrystal Materials Li5+xGe1-xCrxV3O12 * Preliminary Study on Synthesis of Silver Zirconium Silicophosphates by Sol - Gel Process * Sodium Ion Conduction in Iron(III) Exchanged Y Zeolite * Electrical Properties of V5O9+x (x = 0, 1) and CuxV5O9.1 * Electrical Properties of the Tetragonal ZrO2 Stabilized with CeO2, CeO2 + Gd2O3 * Study of Preparation and Ionic Conduction of Doped Barium Cerate Perovskite * Preparing Fine Alumina Powder by Homogeneous Precipitation Method for Fabricating β''-Al2O3 * Amorphous Lithium Ion Conductors in Li2S-SiS2-LiBO2 System * Mixed Alkali Effect of Glass Super Ionic Conductors * Electrical Property and Phase Separation, Crystallization Behavior of A Cu+-Conducting Glass * Investigation of Phase Separation and Crystallization for 0.4CuI-0.3 Cu2O-0.3P2O5 Glass by SEM and XRD * Study on the Lithium Solid Electrolytes of Li3N-LiX(X = F, Cl, Br, I)-B2O3 Ternary Systems * Synthesis and Characterization of the Li2O : P2O5 : WO3 Glasses * The Electrochromic Properties of Electrodeposited Ni-O Films in Nonaqueous Electrolytes * All Solid-State WO3-MnO2 Based Electrochromic Window * Electrochromism in Nickel Oxide Films * E S R of X-Irradiated Melt Quenched Li2SO4 * Mixed-Alkali Effect in the Li2O-Na2O-TeO2 Glass System * Electrical and Thermal Studies on Silver Tellurite Glasses * Late Entries (Invited Papers) * Proton Conducting Polymers * Light Scattering Studies on Superionic Conductor YSZ * Development of Thin Film Surface Modified Solid State Electrochemical Gas Sensors * Author Index * List of Participants

Extrusion of electrode material by liquid injection into extruder barrel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Keller, David Gerard; Giovannoni, Richard Thomas; MacFadden, Kenneth Orville

An electrode sheet product is formed using an extruder having a feed throat and a downstream section by separately mixing an active electrode material and a solid polymer electrolyte composition that contains lithium salt. The active electrode material is fed into the feed throat of the extruder, while a portion of at least one fluid component of the solid polymer electrolyte composition is introduced to the downstream section. The active electrode material and the solid polymer electrolyte composition are compounded in a downstream end of the extruder. The extruded sheets, adhered to current collectors, can be formed into battery cells.

Preparation of a self-humidifying membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell and its performance analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Cheng; Mao, Zongqiang; Xu, Jingming; Xie, Xiaofeng; Yang, Lizhai

2003-10-01

A novel nano-porous material SiO2-gel was prepared. After being purified by H2O2, then protonized by H2SO4 and desiccated in vacuum, the SiO2-gel, mixed with Nafion solution, was coated between an electrode and a solid electrolyte, which made a new type of self-humidifying membrane electrode assembly. The SiO2 powder was characterized by FTIR, BET and XRD. The surface of the electrodes was characterized by SEM and EDS. The performances of the self-humidifying membrane electrodes were analyzed by polarization discharge and AC impedance under the operation modes of external humidification and self-humidification respectively. Experimental-results indicated that the SiO2 powder held super-hydrophilicity, and the layer of SiO2 and Nafion polymer between electrode and solid electrolyte expanded three-dimension electrochemistry reac-tion area, maintained stability of catalyst layer and enhanced back-diffusion of water from cathode to anode, so the PEM Fuel cell can generate electricity at self-humidification mode. The power density of single PEM fuel cell reached 1.5 W/cm2 under 0.2 Mpa, 70°C and dry hydrogen and oxygen.

Fabrication of copper-based anodes via atmosphoric plasma spraying techniques

DOEpatents

Lu, Chun [Monroeville, PA

2012-04-24

A fuel electrode anode (18) for a solid oxide fuel cell is made by presenting a solid oxide fuel cell having an electrolyte surface (15), mixing copper powder with solid oxide electrolyte in a mixing step (24, 44) to provide a spray feedstock (30,50) which is fed into a plasma jet (32, 52) of a plasma torch to melt the spray feed stock and propel it onto an electrolyte surface (34, 54) where the spray feed stock flattens into lamellae layer upon solidification, where the layer (38, 59) is an anode coating with greater than 35 vol. % based on solids volume.

Quasi-Solid-State Rechargeable Li-O2 Batteries with High Safety and Long Cycle Life at Room Temperature.

PubMed

Cho, Sung Man; Shim, Jimin; Cho, Sung Ho; Kim, Jiwoong; Son, Byung Dae; Lee, Jong-Chan; Yoon, Woo Young

2018-05-09

As interest in electric vehicles and mass energy storage systems continues to grow, Li-O 2 batteries are attracting much attention as a candidate for next-generation energy storage systems owing to their high energy density. However, safety problems related to the use of lithium metal anodes have hampered the commercialization of Li-O 2 batteries. Herein, we introduced a quasi-solid polymer electrolyte with excellent electrochemical, chemical, and thermal stabilities into Li-O 2 batteries. The ion-conducting QSPE was prepared by gelling a polymer network matrix consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate, methacrylated tannic acid, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, and nanofumed silica with a small amount of liquid electrolyte. The quasi-solid-state Li-O 2 cell consisted of a lithium powder anode, a quasi-solid polymer electrolyte, and a Pd 3 Co/multiwalled carbon nanotube cathode, which enhanced the electrochemical performance of the cell. This cell, which exhibited improved safety owing to the suppression of lithium dendrite growth, achieved a lifetime of 125 cycles at room temperature. These results show that the introduction of a quasi-solid electrolyte is a potentially new alternative for the commercialization of solid-state Li-O 2 batteries.

Fuel cell electrolyte membrane with basic polymer

DOEpatents

Larson, James M.; Pham, Phat T.; Frey, Matthew H.; Hamrock, Steven J.; Haugen, Gregory M.; Lamanna, William M.

2012-12-04

The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.

Fuel cell electrolyte membrane with basic polymer

DOEpatents

Larson, James M.; Pham, Phat T.; Frey, Matthew H.; Hamrock, Steven J.; Haugen, Gregory M.; Lamanna, William M.

2010-11-23

The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.

Nanocrystalline cerium oxide materials for solid fuel cell systems

DOEpatents

Brinkman, Kyle S

2015-05-05

Disclosed are solid fuel cells, including solid oxide fuel cells and PEM fuel cells that include nanocrystalline cerium oxide materials as a component of the fuel cells. A solid oxide fuel cell can include nanocrystalline cerium oxide as a cathode component and microcrystalline cerium oxide as an electrolyte component, which can prevent mechanical failure and interdiffusion common in other fuel cells. A solid oxide fuel cell can also include nanocrystalline cerium oxide in the anode. A PEM fuel cell can include cerium oxide as a catalyst support in the cathode and optionally also in the anode.

Solid oxide fuel cell with single material for electrodes and interconnect

DOEpatents

McPheeters, C.C.; Nelson, P.A.; Dees, D.W.

1994-07-19

A solid oxide fuel cell is described having a plurality of individual cells. A solid oxide fuel cell has an anode and a cathode with electrolyte disposed there between, and the anode, cathode and interconnect elements are comprised of substantially one material. 9 figs.

Nanoporous palladium anode for direct ethanol solid oxide fuel cells with nanoscale proton-conducting ceramic electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yong; Wong, Lai Mun; Xie, Hanlin; Wang, Shijie; Su, Pei-Chen

2017-02-01

In this work, we demonstrate the operation of micro-solid oxide fuel cells (μ-SOFCs) with nanoscale proton-conducting Y-BaZrO3 (BZY) electrolyte to avoid the fuel crossover problem for direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs). The μ-SOFCs are operated with the direct utilisation of ethanol vapour as a fuel and Pd as anode at the temperature range of 300-400 °C. The nanoporous Pd anode is achieved by DC sputtering at high Ar pressure of 80 mTorr. The Pd-anode/BYZ-electrolyte/Pt-cathode cell show peak power densities of 72.4 mW/cm2 using hydrogen and 15.3 mW/cm2 using ethanol at 400 °C. No obvious carbon deposition is seen from XPS analysis after fuel cell test with ethanol fuel.

Polypropylene oil as fuel for solid oxide fuel cell with samarium doped-ceria (SDC)-carbonate as electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syahputra, R. J. E.; Rahmawati, F.; Prameswari, A. P.; Saktian, R.

2017-03-01

The research focusses on converting polypropylene oil as pyrolysis product of polypropylene plastic into an electricity. The converter was a direct liquid fuel-solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with cerium oxide based material as electrolyte. The polypropylene vapor flowed into fuel cell, in the anode side and undergo oxidation reaction, meanwhile, the Oxygen in atmosphere reduced into oxygen ion at cathode. The fuel cell test was conducted at 400 - 600 °C. According to GC-MS analysis, the polypropylene oil consist of C8 to C27 hydrocarbon chain. The XRD analysis result shows that Na2CO3 did not change the crystal structure of SDC even increases the electrical conductivity. The maximum power density is 0.079 mW.cm-2 at 773 K. The open circuite voltage is 0.77 volt. Chemical stability test by analysing the single cell at before and after fuel cell test found that ionic migration occured during fuel cell operation. It is supported by the change of elemental composition in the point position of electrolyte and at the electrolyte-electrode interface

Novel proton conducting polymer electrolytes based on polyparabanic acid doped with H 3PO 4 for high temperature fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aihara, Yuichi; Sonai, Atsuo

Three novel proton conducting polymer electrolytes based on polyparabanic acid doped with H 3PO 4 were synthesized and their use in high temperature fuel cells characterized. The precursor polymers, PMD-Im, POD-Im and PDMDP-Im, were synthesized by cyclization polymerization of diisocynanates. After doping with H 3PO 4, the ionic conductivity and the thermal degradation were studied by using the AC impedance method and thermal gravimetric analysis, respectively. These membranes showed high ionic conductivity of the order of 10 -2 S cm -1 at 423 K with good thermal stability. Their application to fuel cells was demonstrated and polarization curves were obtained at 423 K were obtained without humidification.

Organic fuel cell methods and apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narayanan, Sekharipuram R. (Inventor); Frank, Harvey A. (Inventor); Halpert, Gerald (Inventor); Surampudi, Subbarao (Inventor); Prakash, G. K. Surya (Inventor); Vamos, Eugene (Inventor); Olah, George A. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

A liquid organic fuel cell is provided which employs a solid electrolyte membrane. An organic fuel, such as a methanol/water mixture, is circulated past an anode of a cell while oxygen or air is circulated past a cathode of the cell. The cell solid electrolyte membrane is preferably fabricated from Nafion.TM.. Additionally, a method for improving the performance of carbon electrode structures for use in organic fuel cells is provided wherein a high surface-area carbon particle/Teflon.TM.-binder structure is immersed within a Nafion.TM./methanol bath to impregnate the electrode with Nafion.TM.. A method for fabricating an anode for use in a organic fuel cell is described wherein metal alloys are deposited onto the electrode in an electro-deposition solution containing perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. A fuel additive containing perfluorooctanesulfonic acid for use with fuel cells employing a sulfuric acid electrolyte is also disclosed. New organic fuels, namely, trimethoxymethane, dimethoxymethane, and trioxane are also described for use with either conventional or improved fuel cells.

Organic fuel cell methods and apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Surampudi, Subbarao (Inventor); Narayanan, Sekharipuram R. (Inventor); Vamos, Eugene (Inventor); Halpert, Gerald (Inventor); Olah, George A. (Inventor); Frank, Harvey A. (Inventor); Prakash, G. K. Surya (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A liquid organic, fuel cell is provided which employs a solid electrolyte membrane. An organic fuel, such as a methanol/water mixture, is circulated past an anode of a cell while oxygen or air is circulated past a cathode of the cell. The cell solid electrolyte membrane is preferably fabricated from Nafion.TM.. Additionally, a method for improving the performance of carbon electrode structures for use in organic fuel cells is provided wherein a high surface-area carbon particle/Teflon.TM.-binder structure is immersed within a Nafion.TM./methanol bath to impregnate the electrode with Nafion.TM.. A method for fabricating an anode for use in a organic fuel cell is described wherein metal alloys are deposited onto the electrode in an electro-deposition solution containing perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. A fuel additive containing perfluorooctanesulfonic acid for use with fuel cells employing a sulfuric acid electrolyte is also disclosed. New organic fuels, namely, trimethoxymethane, dimethoxymethane, and trioxane are also described for use with either conventional or improved fuel cells.

Organic fuel cell methods and apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frank, Harvey A. (Inventor); Halpert, Gerald (Inventor); Surampudi, Subbarao (Inventor); Olah, George A. (Inventor); Vamos, Eugene (Inventor); Narayanan, Sekharipuram R. (Inventor); Prakash, G. K. Surya (Inventor)

2008-01-01

A liquid organic, fuel cell is provided which employs a solid electrolyte membrane. An organic fuel, such as a methanol/water mixture, is circulated past an anode of a cell while oxygen or air is circulated past a cathode of the cell. The cell solid electrolyte membrane is preferably fabricated from Nafion.TM.. Additionally, a method for improving the performance of carbon electrode structures for use in organic fuel cells is provided wherein a high surface-area carbon particle/Teflon.TM.-binder structure is immersed within a Nafion.TM./methanol bath to impregnate the electrode with Nafion.TM.. A method for fabricating an anode for use in a organic fuel cell is described wherein metal alloys are deposited onto the electrode in an electro-deposition solution containing perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. A fuel additive containing perfluorooctanesulfonic acid for use with fuel cells employing a sulfuric acid electrolyte is also disclosed. New organic fuels, namely, trimethoxymethane, dimethoxymethane, and trioxane are also described for use with either conventional or improved fuel cells.

U.S. DOE Progress Towards Developing Low-Cost, High Performance, Durable Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications.

PubMed

Houchins, Cassidy; Kleen, Greg J; Spendelow, Jacob S; Kopasz, John; Peterson, David; Garland, Nancy L; Ho, Donna Lee; Marcinkoski, Jason; Martin, Kathi Epping; Tyler, Reginald; Papageorgopoulos, Dimitrios C

2012-12-18

Low cost, durable, and selective membranes with high ionic conductivity are a priority need for wide-spread adoption of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Electrolyte membranes are a major cost component of PEMFC stacks at low production volumes. PEMFC membranes also impose limitations on fuel cell system operating conditions that add system complexity and cost. Reactant gas and fuel permeation through the membrane leads to decreased fuel cell performance, loss of efficiency, and reduced durability in both PEMFCs and DMFCs. To address these challenges, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Program, in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, supports research and development aimed at improving ion exchange membranes for fuel cells. For PEMFCs, efforts are primarily focused on developing materials for higher temperature operation (up to 120 °C) in automotive applications. For DMFCs, efforts are focused on developing membranes with reduced methanol permeability. In this paper, the recently revised DOE membrane targets, strategies, and highlights of DOE-funded projects to develop new, inexpensive membranes that have good performance in hot and dry conditions (PEMFC) and that reduce methanol crossover (DMFC) will be discussed.

Direct liquid-feed fuel cell with membrane electrolyte and manufacturing thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narayanan, Sekharipuram (Inventor); Surampudi, Subbarao (Inventor); Halpert, Gerald (Inventor)

1999-01-01

An improved direct liquid-feed fuel cell having a solid membrane electrolyte for electrochemical reactions of an organic fuel. Improvements in interfacing of the catalyst layer and the membrane and activating catalyst materials are disclosed.

The 100 kW space station. [regenerative fuel cells and nickel hydrogen and nickel cadmium batteries for solar arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckhann, G.

1977-01-01

Solar array power systems for the space construction base are discussed. Nickel cadmium and nickel hydrogen batteries are equally attractive relative to regenerative fuel cell systems at 5 years life. Further evaluation of energy storage system life (low orbit conditions) is required. Shuttle and solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology appears adequate; large units (approximately four times shuttle) are most appropriate and should be studied for a 100 KWe SCB system. A conservative NiH2 battery DOD (18.6%) was elected due to lack of test data and offers considerable improvement potential. Multiorbit load averaging and reserve capacity requirements limit nominal DOD to 30% to 50% maximum, independent of life considerations.

Fractal diffusion in high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hopfenmüller, Bernhard; Zorn, Reiner; Holderer, Olaf; Ivanova, Oxana; Lehnert, Werner; Lüke, Wiebke; Ehlers, Georg; Jalarvo, Niina; Schneider, Gerald J.; Monkenbusch, Michael; Richter, Dieter

2018-05-01

The performance of fuel cells depends largely on the proton diffusion in the proton conducting membrane, the core of a fuel cell. High temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells are based on a polymer membrane swollen with phosphoric acid as the electrolyte, where proton conduction takes place. We studied the proton diffusion in such membranes with neutron scattering techniques which are especially sensitive to the proton contribution. Time of flight spectroscopy and backscattering spectroscopy have been combined to cover a broad dynamic range. In order to selectively observe the diffusion of protons potentially contributing to the ion conductivity, two samples were prepared, where in one of the samples the phosphoric acid was used with hydrogen replaced by deuterium. The scattering data from the two samples were subtracted in a suitable way after measurement. Thereby subdiffusive behavior of the proton diffusion has been observed and interpreted in terms of a model of fractal diffusion. For this purpose, a scattering function for fractal diffusion has been developed. The fractal diffusion dimension dw and the Hausdorff dimension df have been determined on the length scales covered in the neutron scattering experiments.

Chitosan biopolymer for fuel cell applications.

PubMed

Ma, Jia; Sahai, Yogeshwar

2013-02-15

Fuel cell is an electrochemical device which converts chemical energy stored in a fuel into electrical energy. Fuel cells have been receiving attention due to its potential applicability as a good alternative power source. Recently, cost-effective and eco-friendly biopolymer chitosan has been extensively studied as a material for membrane electrolytes and electrodes in low to intermediate temperature hydrogen polymer electrolyte fuel cell, direct methanol fuel cell, alkaline fuel cell, and biofuel cell. This paper reviews structure and property of chitosan with respect to its applications in fuel cells. Recent achievements and prospect of its applications have also been included. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Separation Method for Oxygen Mass Transport Coefficient in Two Phase Porous Air Electrodes - Transport in Gas and Solid Polymer or Liquid Electrolyte Phases

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-06

of the problem studied Proton exchange membrane fuel cells ( PEMFCs ) are the most promising candidate systems for alternative electricity...characteristic. The limiting current can be used as a tool to study mass transport phenomena in PEMFC because it can provide experimental data for the...coefficient for PEMFCs under in situ conditions based on the galvanostatic discharge of a cell with an interrupted reactant supply. The results indicated

Thermostable gel polymer electrolyte based on succinonitrile and ionic liquid for high-performance solid-state supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Gaind P.; Liu, Tao; Hancock, Cody; Li, Yonghui; Sun, Xiuzhi Susan; Li, Jun

2016-10-01

A flexible, free-standing, thermostable gel polymer electrolyte based on plastic crystalline succinonitrile (SN) and ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMImBF4) entrapped in copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) is prepared and optimized for application in solvent-free solid-state supercapacitors. The synthesized gel polymer electrolyte exhibits a high ionic conductivity over a wide temperature range (from ∼5 × 10-4 S cm-1 at -30 °C up to ∼1.5 × 10-2 S cm-1 at 80 °C) with good electrochemical stability window (-2.9 to 2.5 V). Thermal studies confirm that the SN containing gel polymer electrolyte remains stable in the same gel phase over a wide temperature range from -30 to 90 °C. The electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) have been fabricated using activated carbon as active materials and new gel polymer electrolytes. Electrochemical performance of the EDLCs is assessed through cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling and impedance spectroscopy. The EDLC cells with the proper SN-containing gel polymer electrolyte has been found to give high specific capacitance 176 F g-1 at 0.18 A g-1 and 138 F g-1 at 8 A g-1. These solid-state EDLC cells show good cycling stability and the capability to retain ∼80% of the initial capacitance after 10,000 cycles.

Extrusion of electrode material by liquid injection into extruder barrel

DOEpatents

Keller, D.G.; Giovannoni, R.T.; MacFadden, K.O.

1998-03-10

An electrode sheet product is formed using an extruder having a feed throat and a downstream section by separately mixing an active electrode material and a solid polymer electrolyte composition that contains lithium salt. The active electrode material is fed into the feed throat of the extruder, while a portion of at least one fluid component of the solid polymer electrolyte composition is introduced to the downstream section. The active electrode material and the solid polymer electrolyte composition are compounded in a downstream end of the extruder. The extruded sheets, adhered to current collectors, can be formed into battery cells. 1 fig.

Extrusion of electrode material by liquid injection into extruder barrel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Keller, D.G.; Giovannoni, R.T.; MacFadden, K.O.

An electrode sheet product is formed using an extruder having a feed throat and a downstream section by separately mixing an active electrode material and a solid polymer electrolyte composition that contains lithium salt. The active electrode material is fed into the feed throat of the extruder, while a portion of at least one fluid component of the solid polymer electrolyte composition is introduced to the downstream section. The active electrode material and the solid polymer electrolyte composition are compounded in a downstream end of the extruder. The extruded sheets, adhered to current collectors, can be formed into battery cells.more » 1 fig.« less

An investigation of the typical corrosion parameters used to test polymer electrolyte fuel cell bipolar plate coatings, with titanium nitride coated stainless steel as a case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orsi, A.; Kongstein, O. E.; Hamilton, P. J.; Oedegaard, A.; Svenum, I. H.; Cooke, K.

2015-07-01

Stainless steel bipolar plates (BPP) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have good manufacturability, durability and low costs, but inadequate corrosion resistance and elevated interfacial contact resistance (ICR) in the fuel cell environment. Thin film coatings of titanium nitride (TiN) of 1 μm in thickness, were deposited by means of physical vapour deposition (PVD) process on to stainless steel (SS) 316L substrates and were evaluated, in a series of tests, for their level of corrosion protection and ICR. In the ex-situ corrosion tests, variables such as applied potential, experimental duration and pH of the sulphate electrolyte at 80 °C were altered. The ICR values were found to increase after exposure to greater applied potentials and electrolytes of a higher pH. In terms of experimental duration, the ICR increased most rapidly at the beginning of each experiment. It was also found that the oxidation of TiN was accelerated after exposure to electrolytes of a higher pH. When coated BPPs were incorporated into an accelerated fuel cell test, the degradation of the fuel cell cathode resembled the plates that were tested at the highest anodic potential (1.4 VSHE).

A novel (ex situ) method to quantify oxygen diffusion coefficient of polymer fuel cells backing and catalyst layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baricci, Andrea; Casalegno, Andrea

2016-09-01

Limiting current density of oxygen reduction reaction in polymer electrolyte fuel cells is determined by several mass transport resistances that lower the concentration of oxygen on the catalyst active site. Among them, diffusion across porous media plays a significant role. Despite the extensive experimental activity documented in PEMFC literature, only few efforts have been dedicated to the measurement of the effective transport properties in porous layers. In the present work, a methodology for ex situ measurement of the effective diffusion coefficient and Knudsen radius of porous layers for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (gas diffusion layer, micro porous layer and catalyst layer) is described and applied to high temperature polymer fuel cells State of Art materials. Regression of the measured quantities by means of a quasi 2D physical model is performed to quantify the Knudsen effect, which is reported to account, respectively, for 30% and 50% of the mass transport resistance in micro porous layer and catalyst layer. On the other side, the model reveals that pressure gradient consequent to permeation in porous layers of high temperature polymer fuel cells has a negligible effect on oxygen concentration in relevant operating conditions.

Radiation grafted and sulfonated (FEP-g-polysterene) - An alternative to perfluorinated membranes for PEM fuel cells?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buechi, F. N.; Gupta, B.; Rouilly, M.; Hauser, P. C.; Chapiro, A.; Scherer, G. G.

Partially fluorinated proton exchange membranes (PEMs) were synthesized for fuel cell applications by simultaneous radiation grafting of styrene on FEP films followed by sulfonation. Properties of the synthesized membranes can be tailored by varying the degree of grafting and crosslinking. The performance of these membranes was tested in H2/O2 fuel cells. Long time testing showed steady performance for high grafted membranes over periods of more than 300 h at a cell temperature of 60 C. Low grafted membranes and the Morgane CDS membrane showed considerable decay of cell power on the same time scale. A fast degradation of all membranes occurred at a cell temperature of 80 C. It is noted that grafting in film form makes this process a potentially cheap and easy technique for the preparation of solid polymer fuel cell electrolytes.

Hypophosphites as eco-compatible fuel for membrane-free direct liquid fuel cells.

PubMed

Wang, Renhe; Wu, Mengjia; Haller, Servane; Métivier, Pascal; Wang, Yonggang; Xia, Yongyao

2018-05-07

Crossover of liquid fuel remains a severe problem for conventional direct liquid fuel cells even when polymer electrolyte membranes are applied. Herein, we report for the first time a membrane-free direct liquid fuel cell powered by alkaline hypophosphite solution. The proof-of-concept fuel cell yields a peak power density of 32 mW cm-2 under air flow at room temperature. The removal of the polymer electrolyte membrane is attributed to the high reactivity and selectivity of Pd and α-MnO2 towards the hypophosphite oxidation on anode and oxygen reduction on the cathode, respectively. The discharge products are analyzed by 31P-NMR and the Faradaic efficiencies have been calculated after discharging at 10 mA cm-2 for 20 hours. The non-toxicity of hypophosphite and membrane-free fuel cell structure provide huge potential for future applications. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Development of a solid polymer electrolyte electrolysis cell module and ancillary components for a breadboard water electrolysis system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Porter, F. J., Jr.

1972-01-01

Solid polymer electrolyte technology in a water electrolysis system along with ancillary components to generate oxygen and hydrogen for a manned space station application are considered. Standard commercial components are utilized wherever possible. Presented are the results of investigations, surveys, tests, conclusions and recommendations for future development efforts.

Quantifying phosphoric acid in high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell components by X-ray tomographic microscopy.

PubMed

Eberhardt, S H; Marone, F; Stampanoni, M; Büchi, F N; Schmidt, T J

2014-11-01

Synchrotron-based X-ray tomographic microscopy is investigated for imaging the local distribution and concentration of phosphoric acid in high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Phosphoric acid fills the pores of the macro- and microporous fuel cell components. Its concentration in the fuel cell varies over a wide range (40-100 wt% H3PO4). This renders the quantification and concentration determination challenging. The problem is solved by using propagation-based phase contrast imaging and a referencing method. Fuel cell components with known acid concentrations were used to correlate greyscale values and acid concentrations. Thus calibration curves were established for the gas diffusion layer, catalyst layer and membrane in a non-operating fuel cell. The non-destructive imaging methodology was verified by comparing image-based values for acid content and concentration in the gas diffusion layer with those from chemical analysis.

A review of high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel-cell (HT-PEMFC)-based auxiliary power units for diesel-powered road vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yongfeng; Lehnert, Werner; Janßen, Holger; Samsun, Remzi Can; Stolten, Detlef

2016-04-01

This paper presents an extensive review of research on the development of auxiliary power units with enhanced reformate tolerance for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). Developments in diesel reforming for fuel cells as auxiliary power units (APUs), single fuel cells and stacks and systems are outlined in detail and key findings are presented. Summaries of HT-PEMFC APU applications and start-up times for HT-PEMFC systems are then given. A summary of cooling HT-PEMFC stacks using a classic schematic diagram of a 24-cell HT-PEMFC stack, with a cooling plate for every third cell, is also presented as part of a stack analysis. Finally, a summary of CO tolerances for fuel cells is given, along with the effects of different CO volume fractions on polarization curves, the fraction of CO coverage, hydrogen coverage, anode overpotential and cell potential.

Space Electrochemical Research and Technology Conference, 2nd, Cleveland, OH, Apr. 11-13, 1989, Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Donnell, Patricia M. (Editor)

1990-01-01

Attention is given to topics of advanced concepts, hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells and electrolyzers, nickel electrodes, and advanced rechargeable batteries. Papers are presented on human exploration mission studies, advanced rechargeable sodium batteries with novel cathodes, advanced double-layer capacitors, recent advances in solid-polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology with low platinum loading electrodes, electrocatalysts for oxygen electrodes in fuel cells and water electrolyzers for space applications, and the corrosion testing of candidates for the alkaline fuel cell cathode. Other papers are on a structural comparison of nickel electodes and precursor phases, the application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for characterizing the degradation of Ni(OH)2/NiOOH electrodes, advances in lightweight nickel electrode technology, multimission nickel-hydrogen battery cell for the 1990s, a sodium-sulfur battery flight experiment definition study, and advances in ambient-temperature secondary lithium cells.

Direct deposit of catalyst on the membrane of direct feed fuel cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chun, William (Inventor); Narayanan, Sekharipuram R. (Inventor); Jeffries-Nakamura, Barbara (Inventor); Valdez, Thomas I. (Inventor); Linke, Juergen (Inventor)

2001-01-01

An improved direct liquid-feed fuel cell having a solid membrane electrolyte for electrochemical reactions of an organic fuel. Catalyst utilization and catalyst/membrane interface improvements are disclosed. Specifically, the catalyst layer is applied directly onto the membrane electrolyte.

Serially connected solid oxide fuel cells having monolithic cores

DOEpatents

Herceg, Joseph E.

1987-01-01

A solid oxide fuel cell for electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant for generating galvanic output, wherein the cell core has an array of cell segments electrically serially connected in the flow direction, each segment consisting of electrolyte walls and interconnect that are substantially devoid of any composite inert materials for support. Instead, the core is monolithic, where each electrolyte wall consists of thin layers of cathode and anode materials sandwiching a thin layer of electrolyte material therebetween. Means direct the fuel to the anode-exposed core passageways and means direct the oxidant to the cathode-exposed core passageways; and means also direct the galvanic output to an exterior circuit. Each layer of the electrolyte composite materials is of the order of 0.002-0.01 cm thick; and each layer of the cathode and anode materials is of the order of 0.002-0.05 cm thick. Between 2 and 50 cell segments may be connected in series.

Power sources for portable electronics and hybrid cars: lithium batteries and fuel cells.

PubMed

Scrosati, Bruno

2005-01-01

The activities in progress in our laboratory for the development of batteries and fuel cells for portable electronics and hybrid car applications are reviewed and discussed. In the case of lithium batteries, the research has been mainly focused on the characterization of new electrode and electrolyte materials. Results related to disordered carbon anodes and improved, solvent-free, as well as gel-type, polymer electrolytes are particularly stressed. It is shown that the use of proper gel electrolytes, in combination with suitable electrode couples, allows the development of new types of safe, reliable, and low-cost lithium ion batteries which appear to be very promising power sources for hybrid vehicles. Some of the technologies proven to be successful in the lithium battery area are readapted for use in fuel cells. In particular, this approach has been followed for the preparation of low-cost and stable protonic membranes to be proposed as an alternative to the expensive, perfluorosulfonic membranes presently used in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Copyright 2005 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Multilayered composite proton exchange membrane and a process for manufacturing the same

DOEpatents

Santurri, Pasco R; Duvall, James H; Katona, Denise M; Mausar, Joseph T; Decker, Berryinne

2015-05-05

A multilayered membrane for use with fuel cells and related applications. The multilayered membrane includes a carrier film, at least one layer of an undoped conductive polymer electrolyte material applied onto the carrier film, and at least one layer of a conductive polymer electrolyte material applied onto the adjacent layer of polymer electrolyte material. Each layer of conductive polymer electrolyte material is doped with a plurality of nanoparticles. Each layer of undoped electrolyte material and doped electrolyte material may be applied in an alternating configuration, or alternatively, adjacent layers of doped conductive polymer electrolyte material is employed. The process for producing a multilayered composite membrane includes providing a carrier substrate and solution casting a layer of undoped conductive polymer electrolyte material and a layer of conductive polymer electrolyte material doped with nanoparticles in an alternating arrangement or in an arrangement where doped layers are adjacent to one another.

Fuel cell anode configuration for CO tolerance

DOEpatents

Uribe, Francisco A.; Zawodzinski, Thomas A.

2004-11-16

A polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is designed to operate on a reformate fuel stream containing oxygen and diluted hydrogen fuel with CO impurities. A polymer electrolyte membrane has an electrocatalytic surface formed from an electrocatalyst mixed with the polymer and bonded on an anode side of the membrane. An anode backing is formed of a porous electrically conductive material and has a first surface abutting the electrocatalytic surface and a second surface facing away from the membrane. The second surface has an oxidation catalyst layer effective to catalyze the oxidation of CO by oxygen present in the fuel stream where at least the layer of oxidation catalyst is formed of a non-precious metal oxidation catalyst selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Co, Tb, W, Mo, Sn, and oxides thereof, and other metals having at least two low oxidation states.

Fuel cells with doped lanthanum gallate electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Man; Goodenough, John B.; Huang, Keqin; Milliken, Christopher

Single cells with doped lanthanum gallate electrolyte material were constructed and tested from 600 to 800°C. Both ceria and the electrolyte material were mixed with NiO powder respectively to form composite anodes. Doped lanthanum cobaltite was used exclusively as the cathode material. While high power density from the solid oxide fuel cells at 800°C was achieved. our results clearly indicate that anode overpotential is the dominant factor in the power loss of the cells. Better anode materials and anode processing methods need to be found to fully utilize the high ionic conductivity of the doped lanthanum galiate and achieve higher power density at 800°C from solid oxide fuel cells.

Methods for using novel cathode and electrolyte materials for solid oxide fuel cells and ion transport membranes

DOEpatents

Jacobson, Allan J.; Wang, Shuangyan; Kim, Gun Tae

2016-01-12

Methods using novel cathode, electrolyte and oxygen separation materials operating at intermediate temperatures for use in solid oxide fuel cells and ion transport membranes include oxides with perovskite related structures and an ordered arrangement of A site cations. The materials have significantly faster oxygen kinetics than in corresponding disordered perovskites.

Cathode and electrolyte materials for solid oxide fuel cells and ion transport membranes

DOEpatents

Jacobson, Allan J; Wang, Shuangyan; Kim, Gun Tae

2014-01-28

Novel cathode, electrolyte and oxygen separation materials are disclosed that operate at intermediate temperatures for use in solid oxide fuel cells and ion transport membranes based on oxides with perovskite related structures and an ordered arrangement of A site cations. The materials have significantly faster oxygen kinetics than in corresponding disordered perovskites.

Investigation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell internal behaviour during long term operation and its use in prognostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Lei; Jackson, Lisa; Jackson, Tom

2017-09-01

This paper investigates the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell internal behaviour variation at different operating condition, with characterization test data taken at predefined inspection times, and uses the determined internal behaviour evolution to predict the future PEM fuel cell performance. For this purpose, a PEM fuel cell behaviour model is used, which can be related to various fuel cell losses. By matching the model to the collected polarization curves from the PEM fuel cell system, the variation of fuel cell internal behaviour can be obtained through the determined model parameters. From the results, the source of PEM fuel cell degradation during its lifetime at different conditions can be better understood. Moreover, with determined fuel cell internal behaviour, the future fuel cell performance can be obtained by predicting the future model parameters. By comparing with prognostic results using adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), the proposed prognostic analysis can provide better predictions for PEM fuel cell performance at dynamic condition, and with the understanding of variation in PEM fuel cell internal behaviour, mitigation strategies can be designed to extend the fuel cell performance.

Estimation of electrode ionomer oxygen permeability and ionomer-phase oxygen transport resistance in polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

PubMed

Sambandam, Satheesh; Parrondo, Javier; Ramani, Vijay

2013-09-28

The oxygen permeability of perfluorinated and hydrocarbon polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs; Nafion®, SPEEK and SPSU), which are used as electrolytes and electrode ionomers in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), was estimated using chronoamperometry using a modified fuel cell set-up. A thin, cylindrical microelectrode was embedded into the PEM and used as the working electrode. The PEM was sandwiched between 2 gas diffusion electrodes, one of which was catalyzed and served as the counter and pseudo-reference electrode. Independently, from fuel cell experiments, the oxygen transport resistance arising due to transport through the ionomer film covering the catalyst active sites was estimated at the limiting current and decoupled from the overall mass transport resistance. The in situ oxygen permeability measured at 80 °C and 75% RH of perfluorinated ionomers such as Nafion® (3.85 × 10(12) mol cm(-1) s(-1)) was observed to be an order of magnitude higher than that of hydrocarbon-based PEMs such as SPEEK (0.27 × 10(12) mol cm(-1) s(-1)) and SPSU (0.15 × 10(12) mol cm(-1) s(-1)). The obtained oxygen transport (through ionomer film) resistance values (Nafion® - 1.6 s cm(-1), SPEEK - 2.2 s cm(-1) and SPSU - 3.0 s cm(-1); at 80 °C and 75% RH) correlated well with the measured oxygen permeabilities in these ion-containing polymers.

Performance enhancement of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells by dual-layered membrane electrode assembly structures with carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Jung, Dong-Won; Kim, Jun-Ho; Kim, Se-Hoon; Kim, Jun-Bom; Oh, Eun-Suok

2013-05-01

The effect of dual-layered membrane electrode assemblies (d-MEAs) on the performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) was investigated using the following characterization techniques: single cell performance test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). It has been shown that the PEMFC with d-MEAs has better cell performance than that with typical mono-layered MEAs (m-MEAs). In particular, the d-MEA whose inner layer is composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) showed the best fuel cell performance. This is due to the fact that the d-MEAs with MWCNTs have the highest electrochemical surface area and the lowest activation polarization, as observed from the CV and EIS test.

Solid oxide fuel cells with bi-layered electrolyte structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xinge; Robertson, Mark; Decès-Petit, Cyrille; Xie, Yongsong; Hui, Rob; Qu, Wei; Kesler, Olivera; Maric, Radenka; Ghosh, Dave

In this work, we have developed solid oxide fuel cells with a bi-layered electrolyte of 2 μm SSZ and 4 μm SDC using tape casting, screen printing, and co-firing processes. The cell reached power densities of 0.54 W cm -2 at 650 °C and 0.85 W cm -2 at 700 °C, with open circuit voltage (OCV) values larger than 1.02 V. The electrical leaking between anode and cathode through an SDC electrolyte has been blocked in the bi-layered electrolyte structure. However, both the electrolyte resistance (R el) and electrode polarization resistance (R p,a+c) increased in comparison to cells with single-layered SDC electrolytes. The formation of a solid solution of (Ce, Zr)O 2- x during sintering process and the flaws in the bi-layered electrolyte structure seem to be the main causes for the increase in the R el value (0.32 Ω cm 2) at 650 °C, which is almost one order of magnitude higher than the calculated value.

U.S. DOE Progress Towards Developing Low-Cost, High Performance, Durable Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications

PubMed Central

Houchins, Cassidy; Kleen, Greg J.; Spendelow, Jacob S.; Kopasz, John; Peterson, David; Garland, Nancy L.; Ho, Donna Lee; Marcinkoski, Jason; Martin, Kathi Epping; Tyler, Reginald; Papageorgopoulos, Dimitrios C.

2012-01-01

Low cost, durable, and selective membranes with high ionic conductivity are a priority need for wide-spread adoption of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Electrolyte membranes are a major cost component of PEMFC stacks at low production volumes. PEMFC membranes also impose limitations on fuel cell system operating conditions that add system complexity and cost. Reactant gas and fuel permeation through the membrane leads to decreased fuel cell performance, loss of efficiency, and reduced durability in both PEMFCs and DMFCs. To address these challenges, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Program, in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, supports research and development aimed at improving ion exchange membranes for fuel cells. For PEMFCs, efforts are primarily focused on developing materials for higher temperature operation (up to 120 °C) in automotive applications. For DMFCs, efforts are focused on developing membranes with reduced methanol permeability. In this paper, the recently revised DOE membrane targets, strategies, and highlights of DOE-funded projects to develop new, inexpensive membranes that have good performance in hot and dry conditions (PEMFC) and that reduce methanol crossover (DMFC) will be discussed. PMID:24958432

Novel approaches for fabrication of thin film layers for solid oxide electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murugesamoorthi, K. A.; Srinivasan, S.; Cocke, D. L.; Appleby, A. J.

1990-01-01

The main objectives of the SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) project are to (1) identify viable and cost-effective techniques to prepare cell components for stable MSOFCs (monolithic SOFCs); (2) fabricate half and single cells; and (3) evaluate their performances. The approach used to fabricate stable MSOFCs is as follows: (1) the electrolyte layer is prepared in the form of a honeycomb structure by alloy oxidation and other cell components are deposited on it; (2) the electrolyte and anode layers are deposited on the cathode layer, which has a porous, honeycomb structure; and (3) the electrolyte and cathode layers are deposited on the anode layer. The current status of the project is reported.

Solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane comprising a porous support and a solid polymer electrolyte including a dispersed reduced noble metal or noble metal oxide

DOEpatents

Liu, Han; Mittelsteadt, Cortney K; Norman, Timothy J; Griffith, Arthur E; LaConti, Anthony B

2015-02-24

A solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane and method of manufacturing the same. According to one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin, rigid, dimensionally-stable, non-electrically-conducting support, the support having a plurality of cylindrical, straight-through pores extending perpendicularly between opposing top and bottom surfaces of the support. The pores are unevenly distributed, with some or no pores located along the periphery and more pores located centrally. The pores are completely filled with a solid polymer electrolyte, the solid polymer electrolyte including a dispersed reduced noble metal or noble metal oxide. The solid polymer electrolyte may also be deposited over the top and/or bottom surfaces of the support.

Direct methanol fuel cell and system

DOEpatents

Wilson, Mahlon S.

2004-10-26

A fuel cell having an anode and a cathode and a polymer electrolyte membrane located between anode and cathode gas diffusion backings uses a methanol vapor fuel supply. A permeable polymer electrolyte membrane having a permeability effective to sustain a carbon dioxide flux equivalent to at least 10 mA/cm.sup.2 provides for removal of carbon dioxide produced at the anode by reaction of methanol with water. Another aspect of the present invention includes a superabsorpent polymer material placed in proximity to the anode gas diffusion backing to hold liquid methanol or liquid methanol solution without wetting the anode gas diffusion backing so that methanol vapor from the liquid methanol or liquid methanol-water solution is supplied to the membrane.

Electrode electrolyte interlayers containing cerium oxide for electrochemical fuel cells

DOEpatents

Borglum, Brian P.; Bessette, Norman F.

2000-01-01

An electrochemical cell is made having a porous fuel electrode (16) and a porous air electrode (13), with solid oxide electrolyte (15) therebetween, where the air electrode surface opposing the electrolyte has a separate, attached, dense, continuous layer (14) of a material containing cerium oxide, and where electrolyte (16) contacts the continuous oxide layer (14), without contacting the air electrode (13).

Fractal diffusion in high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hopfenmuller, Bernhard; Zorn, Reiner; Holderer, Olaf

In this paper, the performance of fuel cells depends largely on the proton diffusion in the proton conducting membrane, the core of a fuel cell. High temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells are based on a polymer membrane swollen with phosphoric acid as the electrolyte, where proton conduction takes place. We studied the proton diffusion in such membranes with neutron scattering techniques which are especially sensitive to the proton contribution. Time of flight spectroscopy and backscattering spectroscopy have been combined to cover a broad dynamic range. In order to selectively observe the diffusion of protons potentially contributing to the ion conductivity,more » two samples were prepared, where in one of the samples the phosphoric acid was used with hydrogen replaced by deuterium. The scattering data from the two samples were subtracted in a suitable way after measurement. Thereby subdiffusive behavior of the proton diffusion has been observed and interpreted in terms of a model of fractal diffusion. For this purpose, a scattering function for fractal diffusion has been developed. The fractal diffusion dimension d w and the Hausdorff dimension d f have been determined on the length scales covered in the neutron scattering experiments.« less

Durable and self-hydrating tungsten carbide-based composite polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

PubMed

Zheng, Weiqing; Wang, Liang; Deng, Fei; Giles, Stephen A; Prasad, Ajay K; Advani, Suresh G; Yan, Yushan; Vlachos, Dionisios G

2017-09-04

Proton conductivity of the polymer electrolyte membranes in fuel cells dictates their performance and requires sufficient water management. Here, we report a simple, scalable method to produce well-dispersed transition metal carbide nanoparticles. We demonstrate that these, when added as an additive to the proton exchange Nafion membrane, provide significant enhancement in power density and durability over 100 hours, surpassing both the baseline Nafion and platinum-containing recast Nafion membranes. Focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope tomography reveals the key membrane degradation mechanism. Density functional theory exposes that OH• and H• radicals adsorb more strongly from solution and reactions producing OH• are significantly more endergonic on tungsten carbide than on platinum. Consequently, tungsten carbide may be a promising catalyst in self-hydrating crossover gases while retarding desorption of and capturing free radicals formed at the cathode, resulting in enhanced membrane durability.The proton conductivity of polymer electrolyte membranes in fuel cells dictates their performance, but requires sufficient water management. Here, the authors report a simple method to produce well-dispersed transition metal carbide nanoparticles as additives to enhance the performance of Nafion membranes in fuel cells.

Fractal diffusion in high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes

DOE PAGES

Hopfenmuller, Bernhard; Zorn, Reiner; Holderer, Olaf; ...

2018-05-29

In this paper, the performance of fuel cells depends largely on the proton diffusion in the proton conducting membrane, the core of a fuel cell. High temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells are based on a polymer membrane swollen with phosphoric acid as the electrolyte, where proton conduction takes place. We studied the proton diffusion in such membranes with neutron scattering techniques which are especially sensitive to the proton contribution. Time of flight spectroscopy and backscattering spectroscopy have been combined to cover a broad dynamic range. In order to selectively observe the diffusion of protons potentially contributing to the ion conductivity,more » two samples were prepared, where in one of the samples the phosphoric acid was used with hydrogen replaced by deuterium. The scattering data from the two samples were subtracted in a suitable way after measurement. Thereby subdiffusive behavior of the proton diffusion has been observed and interpreted in terms of a model of fractal diffusion. For this purpose, a scattering function for fractal diffusion has been developed. The fractal diffusion dimension d w and the Hausdorff dimension d f have been determined on the length scales covered in the neutron scattering experiments.« less

Determination of optimal parameters for dual-layer cathode of polymer electrolyte fuel cell using computational intelligence-aided design.

PubMed

Chen, Yi; Huang, Weina; Peng, Bei

2014-01-01

Because of the demands for sustainable and renewable energy, fuel cells have become increasingly popular, particularly the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). Among the various components, the cathode plays a key role in the operation of a PEFC. In this study, a quantitative dual-layer cathode model was proposed for determining the optimal parameters that minimize the over-potential difference η and improve the efficiency using a newly developed bat swarm algorithm with a variable population embedded in the computational intelligence-aided design. The simulation results were in agreement with previously reported results, suggesting that the proposed technique has potential applications for automating and optimizing the design of PEFCs.

Composite electrolyte with proton conductivity for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raza, Rizwan, E-mail: razahussaini786@gmail.com; Department of Energy Technology, Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, Stockholm 10044; Ahmed, Akhlaq

In the present work, cost-effective nanocomposite electrolyte (Ba-SDC) oxide is developed for efficient low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LTSOFCs). Analysis has shown that dual phase conduction of O{sup −2} (oxygen ions) and H{sup +} (protons) plays a significant role in the development of advanced LTSOFCs. Comparatively high proton ion conductivity (0.19 s/cm) for LTSOFCs was achieved at low temperature (460 °C). In this article, the ionic conduction behaviour of LTSOFCs is explained by carrying out electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Further, the phase and structure analysis are investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Finally, we achieved an ionic transport numbermore » of the composite electrolyte for LTSOFCs as high as 0.95 and energy and power density of 90% and 550 mW/cm{sup 2}, respectively, after sintering the composite electrolyte at 800 °C for 4 h, which is promising. Our current effort toward the development of an efficient, green, low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell with the incorporation of high proton conductivity composite electrolyte may open frontiers in the fields of energy and fuel cell technology.« less

End of project report on degradation processes in hydrogen fuel cells.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-01-01

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are one of the most popular types of fuel cells. They operate similarly to others with the electrolyte material inbetween the electrodes being a patented polymer called Nafion, made by DuPont. This polyelec...

Solid oxide fuel cells having porous cathodes infiltrated with oxygen-reducing catalysts

DOEpatents

Liu, Meilin; Liu, Ze; Liu, Mingfei; Nie, Lifang; Mebane, David Spencer; Wilson, Lane Curtis; Surdoval, Wayne

2014-08-12

Solid-oxide fuel cells include an electrolyte and an anode electrically coupled to a first surface of the electrolyte. A cathode is provided, which is electrically coupled to a second surface of the electrolyte. The cathode includes a porous backbone having a porosity in a range from about 20% to about 70%. The porous backbone contains a mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) of a first material infiltrated with an oxygen-reducing catalyst of a second material different from the first material.

High temperature lithium cells with solid polymer electrolytes

DOEpatents

Yang, Jin; Eitouni, Hany Basam; Singh, Mohit

2017-03-07

Electrochemical cells that use electrolytes made from new polymer compositions based on poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and other high-softening-temperature polymers are disclosed. These materials have a microphase domain structure that has an ionically-conductive phase and a phase with good mechanical strength and a high softening temperature. In one arrangement, the structural block has a softening temperature of about 210.degree. C. These materials can be made with either homopolymers or with block copolymers. Such electrochemical cells can operate safely at higher temperatures than have been possible before, especially in lithium cells. The ionic conductivity of the electrolytes increases with increasing temperature.

Composite Solid Electrolyte Containing Li+- Conducting Fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Appleby, A. John; Wang, Chunsheng; Zhang, Xiangwu

2006-01-01

Improved composite solid polymer electrolytes (CSPEs) are being developed for use in lithium-ion power cells. The matrix components of these composites, like those of some prior CSPEs, are high-molecular-weight dielectric polymers [generally based on polyethylene oxide (PEO)]. The filler components of these composites are continuous, highly-Li(+)-conductive, inorganic fibers. PEO-based polymers alone would be suitable for use as solid electrolytes, were it not for the fact that their room-temperature Li(+)-ion conductivities lie in the range between 10(exp -6) and 10(exp -8) S/cm, too low for practical applications. In a prior approach to formulating a CSPE, one utilizes nonconductive nanoscale inorganic filler particles to increase the interfacial stability of the conductive phase. The filler particles also trap some electrolyte impurities. The achievable increase in conductivity is limited by the nonconductive nature of the filler particles.

On controllability and system constraints of the linear models of proton exchange membrane and solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radisavljevic, Verica

2011-10-01

In this paper we first show that the linear models of proton exchange membrane (polymer electrolyte membrane, PEM) and solid oxide (SO) fuel cells, commonly used in power and energy literature, are not controllable. The source of uncontrollability is the equation for pressure of the water vapor that is only affected by the fuel cell current, which in fact is a disturbance in this system and cannot be controlled by the given model inputs: inlet molar flow rates of hydrogen and oxygen. Being uncontrollable these models are not good candidates for studying control of dynamic processes in PEM and SO fuel cells. However, due to their simplicity, they can be used in hybrid configurations with other energy producing devices such as photovoltaic (solar) cells, wind turbine, micro gas turbine, battery (ultra capacitor) to demonstrate some other phenomena, but not for control purposes unless the hybrid models formed in such hybrid configurations are controllable. Testing controllability of such hybrid models is mandatory. Secondly, we introduce some algebraic constraints that follow from the model dynamics and the Nernst open-loop fuel cell voltage formula. These constraints must be satisfied in simulation of considered fuel cell modes, for example, via MATLAB/Simulink or any other computer software package.

A Study of influence on sulfonated TiO2-Poly (Vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) nano composite membranes for PEM Fuel cell application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

kumar, K. Selva; Rajendran, S.; Prabhu, M. Ramesh

2017-10-01

The present work describes the sulfonated Titania directly blended with Poly (Vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) as a host polymer by solvent casting technique for PEM fuel cell application. Characterization studies such as FT-IR, SEM, EDX, AFM, Proton conductivity, contact angle measurement, IEC, TG, water uptake, tensile strength were performed by for synthesized proton conducting polymer electrolytes. The maximum proton conductivity value was found to be 3.6 × 10-3S/cm for 25 wt% sulfonated Titania based system at 80 °C. The temperature dependent proton conductivity of the polymer electrolyte follows an Arrhenius relationship. Surface morphology of the composite membranes was investigated by tapping mode. Thermal stability of the system was studied by TG analysis. The fabricated composite membranes with high proton conductivity, good water uptake and IEC parameters exhibited a maximum fuel cell power density of 85 Mw/cm2for PEM fuel cell application.

Grafted functional groups on expanded tetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) support for fuel cell and water transport membranes

DOEpatents

Fuller, Timothy J.; Jiang, Ruichun

2017-01-24

A method for forming a modified solid polymer includes a step of contacting a solid fluorinated polymer with a sodium sodium-naphthalenide solution to form a treated fluorinated solid polymer. The treated fluorinated solid polymer is contacted with carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or sulfur trioxide to form a solid grafted fluorinated polymer. Characteristically, the grafted fluorinated polymer includes appended CO.sub.2H or SO.sub.2H or SO.sub.3H groups. The solid grafted fluorinated polymer is advantageously incorporated into a fuel cell as part of the ion-conducting membrane or a water transport membrane in a humidifier.

Electrolyte creepage barrier for liquid electrolyte fuel cells

DOEpatents

Li, Jian [Alberta, CA; Farooque, Mohammad [Danbury, CT; Yuh, Chao-Yi [New Milford, CT

2008-01-22

A dielectric assembly for electrically insulating a manifold or other component from a liquid electrolyte fuel cell stack wherein the dielectric assembly includes a substantially impermeable dielectric member over which electrolyte is able to flow and a barrier adjacent the dielectric member and having a porosity of less than 50% and greater than 10% so that the barrier is able to measurably absorb and chemically react with the liquid electrolyte flowing on the dielectric member to form solid products which are stable in the liquid electrolyte. In this way, the barrier inhibits flow or creepage of electrolyte from the dielectric member to the manifold or component to be electrically insulated from the fuel cell stack by the dielectric assembly.

Highly stable gel electrolytes for dye solar cells based on chemically engineered polymethacrylic hosts.

PubMed

De Gregorio, Gian Luca; Agosta, Rita; Giannuzzi, Roberto; Martina, Francesca; De Marco, Luisa; Manca, Michele; Gigli, Giuseppe

2012-03-25

Four different species of ionically conductive polymers were synthesized and successfully implemented to formulate novel quasi-solid electrolytes for dye solar cells. A power conversion efficiency superior to 85% of the correspondent liquid electrolyte as well as an excellent cell's stability was demonstrated after 500 days of storage.

Serially connected solid oxide fuel cells having monolithic cores

DOEpatents

Herceg, J.E.

1985-05-20

Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell for electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant for generating galvanic output. The cell core has an array of cell segments electrically serially connected in the flow direction, each segment consisting of electrolyte walls and interconnect that are substantially devoid of any composite inert materials for support. Instead, the core is monolithic, where each electrolyte wall consists of thin layers of cathode and anode materials sandwiching a thin layer of electrolyte material therebetween. Means direct the fuel to the anode-exposed core passageways and means direct the oxidant to the cathode-exposed core passageways; and means also direct the galvanic output to an exterior circuit. Each layer of the electrolyte composite materials is of the order of 0.002 to 0.01 cm thick; and each layer of the cathode and anode materials is of the order of 0.002 to 0.05 cm thick. Between 2 and 50 cell segments may be connected in series.

In situ liquid water visualization in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells with high resolution synchrotron x-ray radiography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chevalier, S.; Banerjee, R.; Lee, J.

In this work, we investigated the dominating properties of the porous materials that impact water dynamics in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Visualizations of liquid water in an operating PEMFC were performed at the Canadian Light Source. A miniature fuel cell was specifically designed for X-ray imaging investigations, and an in-house image processing algorithm based on the Beer-Lambert law was developed to extract quantities of liquid water thicknesses (cm) from raw X-ray radiographs. The X-ray attenuation coefficient of water at 24 keV was measured with a calibration device to ensure accurate measurements of the liquid water thicknesses. Frommore » this experiment, the through plane distribution of the liquid water in the fuel cell was obtained.« less

Limitations of Commercializing Fuel Cell Technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordin, Normayati

2010-06-01

Fuel cell is the technology that, nowadays, is deemed having a great potential to be used in supplying energy. Basically, fuel cells can be categorized particularly by the kind of employed electrolyte. Several fuel cells types which are currently identified having huge potential to be utilized, namely, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC), Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFC), Polymer Electron Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC) and Regenerative Fuel Cells (RFC). In general, each of these fuel cells types has their own characteristics and specifications which assign the capability and suitability of them to be utilized for any particular applications. Stationary power generations and transport applications are the two most significant applications currently aimed for the fuel cell market. It is generally accepted that there are lots of advantages if fuel cells can be excessively commercialized primarily in context of environmental concerns and energy security. Nevertheless, this is a demanding task to be accomplished, as there is some gap in fuel cells technology itself which needs a major enhancement. It can be concluded, from the previous study, cost, durability and performance are identified as the main limitations to be firstly overcome in enabling fuel cells technology become viable for the market.

A direct borohydride fuel cell with a polymer fiber membrane and non-noble metal catalysts.

PubMed

Yang, Xiaodong; Liu, Yongning; Li, Sai; Wei, Xiaozhu; Wang, Li; Chen, Yuanzhen

2012-01-01

Polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) and Pt-based catalysts are two crucial components which determine the properties and price of fuel cells. Even though, PEM faces problem of fuel crossover in liquid fuel cells such as direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) and direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC), which lowers power output greatly. Here, we report a DBFC in which a polymer fiber membrane (PFM) was used, and metal oxides, such as LaNiO₃ and MnO₂, were used as cathode catalysts, meanwhile CoO was used as anode catalyst. Peak power density of 663 mW·cm⁻² has been achieved at 65°C, which increases by a factor of 1.7-3.7 compared with classic DBFCs. This fuel cell structure can also be extended to other liquid fuel cells, such as DMFC.

Protic Salt Polymer Membranes: High-Temperature Water-Free Proton-Conducting Membranes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gervasio, Dominic Francis

2010-09-30

This research on proton-containing (protic) salts directly addresses proton conduction at high and low temperatures. This research is unique, because no water is used for proton ionization nor conduction, so the properties of water do not limit proton fuel cells. A protic salt is all that is needed to give rise to ionized proton and to support proton mobility. A protic salt forms when proton transfers from an acid to a base. Protic salts were found to have proton conductivities that are as high as or higher than the best aqueous electrolytes at ambient pressures and comparable temperatures without ormore » with water present. Proton conductivity of the protic salts occurs providing two conditions exist: i) the energy difference is about 0.8 eV between the protic-salt state versus the state in which the acid and base are separated and 2) the chemical constituents rotate freely. The physical state of these proton-conducting salts can be liquid, plastic crystal as well as solid organic and inorganic polymer membranes and their mixtures. Many acids and bases can be used to make a protic salt which allows tailoring of proton conductivity, as well as other properties that affect their use as electrolytes in fuel cells, such as, stability, adsorption on catalysts, environmental impact, etc. During this project, highly proton conducting (~ 0.1S/cm) protic salts were made that are stable under fuel-cell operating conditions and that gave highly efficient fuel cells. The high efficiency is attributed to an improved oxygen electroreduction process on Pt which was found to be virtually reversible in a number of liquid protic salts with low water activity (< 1% water). Solid flexible non-porous composite membranes, made from inorganic polymer (e.g., 10%indium 90%tin pyrophosphate, ITP) and organic polymer (e.g., polyvinyl pyridinium phosphate, PVPP), were found that give conductivity and fuel cell performances similar to phosphoric acid electrolyte with no need for hydration at ambient pressures. Synthesis and processing of these protic salts into proton-conducting membrane is far from optimized. This protic salt approach has great promise for more improvements in proton conducting membranes for making practical compact, lightweight and inexpensive fuel cells with uses ranging from small electronics (Power = 1 to 100 Watts) to transportation (kiloWatts) to stationary applications (>100 kiloWatts). This work clearly showed that proton can be conducted without water using protoic ionic liquids which are Bronsted salts which contain a proton and whose acid and base moieties have pK separated by more than 4 units and less than 14. A key finding is that the base used should be significantly different than the basicity of water or else water displaces the base and an ordinary acid membrane is left behind. This is the case where the acid moiety is sulfonic acid found on perfluorinated polymeric membranes. This PI suggests that a fruitful route for attaining highly proton-conductive stable protic salt membranes is to use the STABLE poly-phosphazene (-P=N-) polymer backbone with electrochemically STABLE pendant acid or base units on the phosphorous of poly-phosphazene and with suitable pK so the base is NOT the same pK as water. From this work this should give stable water-free proton conductors which should allow for stable fuel cells with Pt catalysts and possible with non-platinum catalyst for the hydrogen anode and oxygen cathode.« less

Theoretical Design and Experimental Evaluation of Molten Carbonate Modified LSM Cathode for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-07

Min Lee, Kevin Huang. Mixed Oxide-Ion and Carbonate-Ion Conductors (MOCCs) as Electrolyte Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, 218th ECS Meeting... Solid Oxide Fuel Cells The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author(s) and should not contrued as an official...ES) U.S. Army Research Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, Oxygen Reduction, Molten Carbonate

Determination of Optimal Parameters for Dual-Layer Cathode of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Using Computational Intelligence-Aided Design

PubMed Central

Chen, Yi; Huang, Weina; Peng, Bei

2014-01-01

Because of the demands for sustainable and renewable energy, fuel cells have become increasingly popular, particularly the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). Among the various components, the cathode plays a key role in the operation of a PEFC. In this study, a quantitative dual-layer cathode model was proposed for determining the optimal parameters that minimize the over-potential difference and improve the efficiency using a newly developed bat swarm algorithm with a variable population embedded in the computational intelligence-aided design. The simulation results were in agreement with previously reported results, suggesting that the proposed technique has potential applications for automating and optimizing the design of PEFCs. PMID:25490761

Modeling of laser cladding with application to fuel cell manufacturing.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells have many advantages such as compactness, : lightweight, high power density, low temperature operation and near zero emissions. Although : many research organizations have intensified their efforts toward...

Liquid water breakthrough location distances on a gas diffusion layer of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Junliang; Froning, Dieter; Reimer, Uwe; Lehnert, Werner

2018-06-01

The lattice Boltzmann method is adopted to simulate the three dimensional dynamic process of liquid water breaking through the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. 22 micro-structures of Toray GDL are built based on a stochastic geometry model. It is found that more than one breakthrough locations are formed randomly on the GDL surface. Breakthrough location distance (BLD) are analyzed statistically in two ways. The distribution is evaluated statistically by the Lilliefors test. It is concluded that the BLD can be described by the normal distribution with certain statistic characteristics. Information of the shortest neighbor breakthrough location distance can be the input modeling setups on the cell-scale simulations in the field of fuel cell simulation.

New materials for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell current collectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hentall, Philip L.; Lakeman, J. Barry; Mepsted, Gary O.; Adcock, Paul L.; Moore, Jon M.

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cells for automotive applications need to have high power density, and be inexpensive and robust to compete effectively with the internal combustion engine. Development of membranes and new electrodes and catalysts have increased power significantly, but further improvements may be achieved by the use of new materials and construction techniques in the manufacture of the bipolar plates. To show this, a variety of materials have been fabricated into flow field plates, both metallic and graphitic, and single fuel cell tests were conducted to determine the performance of each material. Maximum power was obtained with materials which had lowest contact resistance and good electrical conductivity. The performance of the best material was characterised as a function of cell compression and flow field geometry.

Hydrogen generation by electrolysis of aqueous organic solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeffries-Nakamura, Barbara (Inventor); Narayanan, Sekharipuram R. (Inventor); Chun, William (Inventor); Valdez, Thomas I. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

A device for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidization and electro-reduction. A low-cost and portable hydrogen generator can be made based on the device with organic fuels such as methanol.

Hydrogen generation by electrolysis of aqueous organic solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narayanan, Sekharipuram R. (Inventor); Chun, William (Inventor); Jeffries-Nakamura, Barbara (Inventor); Valdez, Thomas I. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A device for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidization and electro-reduction. A low-cost and portable hydrogen generator can be made based on the device with organic fuels such as methanol.

NREL Develops High-Speed Scanner to Monitor Fuel Cell Material Defects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

2015-09-01

This highlight describes results of recent work in which polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell electrodes with intentionally introduced known defects were imaged and analyzed using a fuel cell scanner recently developed at NREL. The highlight is being developed for the September 2015 Alliance S&T Board meeting.

New Fluorinated and Sulfonated Block Copolymers Final Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-23

use polymers namely, Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells ( PEMFC ) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC) The DMFC can be seen as a variant of...the PEMFC . The membranes are typically the same; however, the feed for DMFC is methanol in an aqueous 1-2 M solution or in its vapor form. This fuel...the existing liquid fuels infrastructure can be used for methanol. Catalysts, as well as operating temperature ranges, are very similar to the PEMFC

Enhanced lithium battery with polyethylene oxide-based electrolyte containing silane-Al2 O3 ceramic filler.

PubMed

Zewde, Berhanu W; Admassie, Shimelis; Zimmermann, Jutta; Isfort, Christian Schulze; Scrosati, Bruno; Hassoun, Jusef

2013-08-01

A solid polymer electrolyte prepared by using a solvent-free, scalable technique is reported. The membrane is formed by low-energy ball milling followed by hot-pressing of dry powdered polyethylene oxide polymer, LiCF3 SO3 salt, and silane-treated Al2 O3 (Al2 O3 -ST) ceramic filler. The effects of the ceramic fillers on the properties of the ionically conducting solid electrolyte membrane are characterized by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, XRD, differential scanning calorimeter, SEM, and galvanostatic cycling in lithium cells with a LiFePO4 cathode. We demonstrate that the membrane containing Al2 O3 -ST ceramic filler performs well in terms of ionic conductivity, thermal properties, and lithium transference number. Furthermore, we show that the lithium cells, which use the new electrolyte together with the LiFePO4 electrode, operate within 65 and 90 °C with high efficiency and long cycle life. Hence, the Al2 O3 -ST ceramic can be efficiently used as a ceramic filler to enhance the performance of solid polymer electrolytes in lithium batteries. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Strong, Tough Glass Composites Developed for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Seals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Narottam P.; Choi, Sung R.

2005-01-01

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that continuously converts the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy. It consists of an electrolyte, an anode, and a cathode. Various types of fuel cells are available, such as direct methanol fuel cells, alkaline fuel cells, proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells, phosphoric acid fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The salient features of an SOFC are all solid construction and high-temperature electrochemical-reaction-based operation, resulting in clean, efficient power generation from a variety of fuels. SOFCs are being developed for a broad range of applications, such as portable electronic devices, automobiles, power generation, and aeronautics.

Modeling Mass and Thermal Transport in Thin Porous Media of PEM Fuel Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konduru, Vinaykumar

Water transport in the Porous Transport Layer (PTL) plays an important role in the efficient operation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Excessive water content as well as dry operating conditions are unfavorable for efficient and reliable operation of the fuel cell. The effect of thermal conductivity and porosity on water management are investigated by simulating two-phase flow in the PTL of the fuel cell using a network model. In the model, the PTL consists of a pore-phase and a solid-phase. Different models of the PTLs are generated using independent Weibull distributions for the pore-phase and the solid-phase. The specific arrangement of the pores and solid elements is varied to obtain different PTL realizations for the same Weibull parameters. The properties of PTL are varied by changing the porosity and thermal conductivity. The parameters affecting operating conditions include the temperature, relative humidity in the flow channel and voltage and current density. In addition, a novel high-speed capable Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) microscope was built based on Kretschmann's configuration utilizing a collimated Kohler illumination. The SPR allows thin film characterization in a thickness of approximately 0-200nm by measuring the changes in the refractive index. Various independent experiments were run to measure film thickness during droplet coalescence during condensation.

Solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane comprising laser micromachined porous support

DOEpatents

Liu, Han [Waltham, MA; LaConti, Anthony B [Lynnfield, MA; Mittelsteadt, Cortney K [Natick, MA; McCallum, Thomas J [Ashland, MA

2011-01-11

A solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane and method of manufacturing the same. According to one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a rigid, non-electrically-conducting support, the support preferably being a sheet of polyimide having a thickness of about 7.5 to 15 microns. The support has a plurality of cylindrical pores extending perpendicularly between opposing top and bottom surfaces of the support. The pores, which preferably have a diameter of about 5 microns, are made by laser micromachining and preferably are arranged in a defined pattern, for example, with fewer pores located in areas of high membrane stress and more pores located in areas of low membrane stress. The pores are filled with a first solid polymer electrolyte, such as a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer. A second solid polymer electrolyte, which may be the same as or different than the first solid polymer electrolyte, may be deposited over the top and/or bottom of the first solid polymer electrolyte.

Solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane comprising plasma etched porous support

DOEpatents

Liu, Han; LaConti, Anthony B.

2010-10-05

A solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane and method of manufacturing the same. According to one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a rigid, non-electrically-conducting support, the support preferably being a sheet of polyimide having a thickness of about 7.5 to 15 microns. The support has a plurality of cylindrical pores extending perpendicularly between opposing top and bottom surfaces of the support. The pores, which preferably have a diameter of about 0.1 to 5 microns, are made by plasma etching and preferably are arranged in a defined pattern, for example, with fewer pores located in areas of high membrane stress and more pores located in areas of low membrane stress. The pores are filled with a first solid polymer electrolyte, such as a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer. A second solid polymer electrolyte, which may be the same as or different than the first solid polymer electrolyte, may be deposited over the top and/or bottom of the first solid polymer electrolyte.

A comparison of low-pressure and supercharged operation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell systems for aircraft applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werner, C.; Preiß, G.; Gores, F.; Griebenow, M.; Heitmann, S.

2016-08-01

Multifunctional fuel cell systems are competitive solutions aboard future generations of civil aircraft concerning energy consumption, environmental issues, and safety reasons. The present study compares low-pressure and supercharged operation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells with respect to performance and efficiency criteria. This is motivated by the challenge of pressure-dependent fuel cell operation aboard aircraft with cabin pressure varying with operating altitude. Experimental investigations of low-pressure fuel cell operation use model-based design of experiments and are complemented by numerical investigations concerning supercharged fuel cell operation. It is demonstrated that a low-pressure operation is feasible with the fuel cell device under test, but that its range of stable operation changes between both operating modes. Including an external compressor, it can be shown that the power demand for supercharging the fuel cell is about the same as the loss in power output of the fuel cell due to low-pressure operation. Furthermore, the supercharged fuel cell operation appears to be more sensitive with respect to variations in the considered independent operating parameters load requirement, cathode stoichiometric ratio, and cooling temperature. The results indicate that a pressure-dependent self-humidification control might be able to exploit the potential of low-pressure fuel cell operation for aircraft applications to the best advantage.

Highly Conductive Solid-State Hybrid Electrolytes Operating at Subzero Temperatures.

PubMed

Kwon, Taeyoung; Choi, Ilyoung; Park, Moon Jeong

2017-07-19

We report a unique, highly conductive, dendrite-inhibited, solid-state polymer electrolyte platform that demonstrates excellent battery performance at subzero temperatures. A design based on functionalized inorganic nanoparticles with interconnected mesopores that contain surface nitrile groups is the key to this development. Solid-state hybrid polymer electrolytes based on succinonitrile (SN) electrolytes and porous nanoparticles were fabricated via a simple UV-curing process. SN electrolytes were effectively confined within the mesopores. This stimulated favorable interactions with lithium ions, reduced leakage of SN electrolytes over time, and improved mechanical strength of membranes. Inhibition of lithium dendrite growth and improved electrochemical stability up to 5.2 V were also demonstrated. The hybrid electrolytes exhibited high ionic conductivities of 2 × 10 -3 S cm -1 at room temperature and >10 -4 S cm -1 at subzero temperatures, leading to stable and improved battery performance at subzero temperatures. Li cells made with lithium titanate anodes exhibited stable discharge capacities of 151 mAh g -1 at temperatures below -10 °C. This corresponds to 92% of the capacity achieved at room temperature (164 mAh g -1 ). Our work represents a significant advance in solid-state polymer electrolyte technology and far exceeds the performance available with conventional polymeric battery separators.

High temperature solid electrolyte fuel cell with ceramic electrodes

DOEpatents

Marchant, David D.; Bates, J. Lambert

1984-01-01

A solid oxide electrolyte fuel cell is described having a central electrolyte comprised of a HfO.sub.2 or ZrO.sub.2 ceramic stabilized and rendered ionically conductive by the addition of Ca, Mg, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy Er, or Yb. The electrolyte is sandwiched between porous electrodes of a HfO.sub.2 or ZrO.sub.2 ceramic stabilized by the addition of a rare earth and rendered electronically conductive by the addition of In.sub.2 O.sub.3. Alternatively, the anode electrode may be made of a metal such as Co, Ni, Ir Pt, or Pd.

High temperature solid electrolyte fuel cell with ceramic electrodes

DOEpatents

Bates, J.L.; Marchant, D.D.

A solid oxide electrolyte fuel cell is described having a central electrolyte comprised of a HfO/sub 2/ or ZrO/sub 2/ ceramic stabilized and rendered ionically conductive by the addition of Ca, Mg, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy Er, or Yb. The electrolyte is sandwiched between porous electrodes of a HfO/sub 2/ or ZrO/sub 2/ ceramic stabilized by the addition of a rare earth and rendered electronically conductive by the addition of In/sub 2/O/sub 3/. Alternatively, the anode electrode may be made of a metal such as Co, Ni, Ir Pt, or Pd.

Functionally Graded Bismuth Oxide/Zirconia Bilayer Electrolytes for High-Performance Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (IT-SOFCs).

PubMed

Joh, Dong Woo; Park, Jeong Hwa; Kim, Doyeub; Wachsman, Eric D; Lee, Kang Taek

2017-03-15

A functionally graded Bi 1.6 Er 0.4 O 3 (ESB)/Y 0.16 Zr 0.84 O 1.92 (YSZ) bilayer electrolyte is successfully developed via a cost-effective screen printing process using nanoscale ESB powders on the tape-cast NiO-YSZ anode support. Because of the highly enhanced oxygen incorporation process at the cathode/electrolyte interface, a novel bilayer solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) yields extremely high power density of ∼2.1 W cm -2 at 700 °C, which is a 2.4 times increase compared to that of the YSZ single electrolyte SOFC.

Utilization of methanol for polymer electrolyte fuel cells in mobile systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, V. M.; Brockerhoff, P.; Hohlein, B.; Menzer, R.; Stimming, U.

1994-04-01

The constantly growing volume of road traffic requires the introduction of new vehicle propulsion systems with higher efficiency and drastically reduced emission rates. As part of the fuel cell programme of the Research Centre Julich a vehicle propulsion system with methanol as secondary energy carrier and a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) as the main component for energy conversion is developed. The fuel gas is produced by a heterogeneously catalyzed steam reforming reaction in which methanol is converted to H2, CO and CO2. The required energy is provided by the catalytic conversion of methanol for both heating up the system and reforming methanol. The high CO content of the fuel gas requires further processing of the gas or the development of new electrocatalysts for the anode. Various Pt-Ru alloys show promising behaviour as CO-tolerant anodes. The entire fuel cell system is discussed in terms of energy and emission balances. The development of important components is described and experimental results are discussed.

A direct borohydride fuel cell with a polymer fiber membrane and non-noble metal catalysts

PubMed Central

Yang, Xiaodong; Liu, Yongning; Li, Sai; Wei, Xiaozhu; Wang, Li; Chen, Yuanzhen

2012-01-01

Polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) and Pt-based catalysts are two crucial components which determine the properties and price of fuel cells. Even though, PEM faces problem of fuel crossover in liquid fuel cells such as direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) and direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC), which lowers power output greatly. Here, we report a DBFC in which a polymer fiber membrane (PFM) was used, and metal oxides, such as LaNiO3 and MnO2, were used as cathode catalysts, meanwhile CoO was used as anode catalyst. Peak power density of 663 mW·cm−2 has been achieved at 65°C, which increases by a factor of 1.7–3.7 compared with classic DBFCs. This fuel cell structure can also be extended to other liquid fuel cells, such as DMFC. PMID:22880160

Liquid Water Saturation and Oxygen Transport Resistance in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Gas Diffusion Layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muirhead, Daniel

In this thesis, the relative humidity (RH) of the cathode reactant gas was investigated as a factor which influences gas diffusion layer (GDL) liquid water accumulation and mass transport-related efficiency losses over a range of operating current densities in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Limiting current measurements were used to characterize fuel cell oxygen transport resistance while simultaneous measurements of liquid water accumulation were conducted using synchrotron X-ray radiography. GDL porosity distributions were characterized with micro-computed tomography (microCT). The work presented here can be used by researchers to develop improved numerical models to predict GDL liquid water accumulation and to inform the design of next-generation GDL materials to mitigate mass transport-related efficiency losses. This work also contributes an extensive set of concurrent performance and liquid water visualization data to the PEM fuel cell field that can be used for validating multiphase transport models.

A Synopsis of Interfacial Phenomena in Lithium-Based Polymer Electrolyte Electrochemical Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baldwin, Richard S.; Bennett, William R.

2007-01-01

The interfacial regions between electrode materials, electrolytes and other cell components play key roles in the overall performance of lithium-based batteries. For cell chemistries employing lithium metal, lithium alloy or carbonaceous materials (i.e., lithium-ion cells) as anode materials, a "solid electrolyte interphase" (SEI) layer forms at the anode/electrolyte interface, and the properties of this "passivating" layer significantly affect the practical cell/battery quality and performance. A thin, ionically-conducting SEI on the electrode surface can beneficially reduce or eliminate undesirable side reactions between the electrode and the electrolyte, which can result in a degradation in cell performance. The properties and phenomena attributable to the interfacial regions existing at both anode and cathode surfaces can be characterized to a large extent by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and related techniques. The intention of the review herewith is to support the future development of lithium-based polymer electrolytes by providing a synopsis of interfacial phenomena that is associated with cell chemistries employing either lithium metal or carbonaceous "composite" electrode structures which are interfaced with polymer electrolytes (i.e., "solvent-free" as well as "plasticized" polymer-binary salt complexes and single ion-conducting polyelectrolytes). Potential approaches to overcoming poor cell performance attributable to interfacial effects are discussed.

Solid polymer electrolyte lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Alamgir, M.; Abraham, K.M.

1993-10-12

This invention pertains to Lithium batteries using Li ion (Li[sup +]) conductive solid polymer electrolytes composed of solvates of Li salts immobilized in a solid organic polymer matrix. In particular, this invention relates to Li batteries using solid polymer electrolytes derived by immobilizing solvates formed between a Li salt and an aprotic organic solvent (or mixture of such solvents) in poly(vinyl chloride). 3 figures.

Solid polymer electrolyte lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Alamgir, Mohamed; Abraham, Kuzhikalail M.

1993-01-01

This invention pertains to Lithium batteries using Li ion (Li.sup.+) conductive solid polymer electrolytes composed of solvates of Li salts immobilized in a solid organic polymer matrix. In particular, this invention relates to Li batteries using solid polymer electrolytes derived by immobilizing solvates formed between a Li salt and an aprotic organic solvent (or mixture of such solvents) in poly(vinyl chloride).

Exploring Alkaline Stable Organic Cations for Polymer Hydroxide Exchange Membranes

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-29

1   1.1.2   Proton exchange membrane fuel cells ( PEMFCs ) ......................... 3   1.1.3   Alkaline fuel cells (AFCs...160   xi LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1:   Schematic diagram of a PEMFC ...according to the type of electrolyte they use. Nowadays, there are six major types of fuel cells: proton-exchange membrane fuel cells ( PEMFCs ), hydroxide

Preparation and electrochemical characterization of polymer electrolytes based on electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride- co-hexafluoropropylene)/polyacrylonitrile blend/composite membranes for lithium batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raghavan, Prasanth; Zhao, Xiaohui; Shin, Chorong; Baek, Dong-Ho; Choi, Jae-Won; Manuel, James; Heo, Min-Yeong; Ahn, Jou-Hyeon; Nah, Changwoon

Apart from PEO based solid polymer electrolytes, tailor-made gel polymer electrolytes based on blend/composite membranes of poly(vinylidene fluoride- co-hexafluoropropylene) and polyacrylonitrile are prepared by electrospinning using 14 wt% polymer solution in dimethylformamide. The membranes show uniform morphology with an average fiber diameter of 320-490 nm, high porosity and electrolyte uptake. Polymer electrolytes are prepared by soaking the electrospun membranes in 1 M lithium hexafluorophosphate in ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate. Temperature dependent ionic conductivity and their electrochemical performance are studied. The blend/composite polymer electrolytes show good ionic conductivity in the range of 10 -3 S cm -1 at ambient temperature and good electrochemical performance. All the Polymer electrolytes show an anodic stability >4.6 V with stable interfacial resistance with storage time. The prototype cell shows good charge-discharge properties and stable cycle performance with comparable capacity fade compared to liquid electrolyte under the test conditions.

Method of synthesizing polymers from a solid electrolyte

DOEpatents

Skotheim, Terje A.

1985-01-01

A method of synthesizing electrically conductive polymers from a solvent-free solid polymer electrolyte wherein an assembly of a substrate having an electrode thereon, a thin coating of solid electrolyte including a solution of PEO complexed with an alkali salt, and a thin transparent noble metal electrode are disposed in an evacuated chamber into which a selected monomer vapor is introduced while an electric potential is applied across the solid electrolyte to hold the thin transparent electrode at a positive potential relative to the electrode on the substrate, whereby a highly conductive polymer film is grown on the transparent electrode between it and the solid electrolyte.

Method of synthesizing polymers from a solid electrolyte

DOEpatents

Skotheim, T.A.

1984-10-19

A method of synthesizing electrically conductive polymers from a solvent-free solid polymer electrolyte is disclosed. An assembly of a substrate having an electrode thereon, a thin coating of solid electrolyte including a solution of PEO complexed with an alkali salt, and a thin transparent noble metal electrode are disposed in an evacuated chamber into which a selected monomer vapor is introduced while an electric potential is applied across the solid electrolyte to hold the thin transparent electrode at a positive potential relative to the electrode on the substrate, whereby a highly conductive polymer film is grown on the transparent electrode between it and the solid electrolyte.

Toward ambient temperature operation with all-solid-state lithium metal batteries with a sp3 boron-based solid single ion conducting polymer electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yunfeng; Cai, Weiwei; Rohan, Rupesh; Pan, Meize; Liu, Yuan; Liu, Xupo; Li, Cuicui; Sun, Yubao; Cheng, Hansong

2016-02-01

The ionic conductivity decay problem of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) when increase the lithium salt of the SPEs up to high concentration is here functionally overcome by the incorporation of a charge delocalized sp3 boron based single ion conducting polymer electrolyte (SIPE) with poly(ethylene oxide) to fabricate solid-state sp3 boron based SIPE membranes (S-BSMs). By characterizations, particularly differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and ionic conductivity studies, the fabricated S-BSMs showed decreased melting points and increased ionic conductivity as steadily increase the content of sp3 boron based SIPE, which significantly improved the low temperature performance of the all-solid-state lithium batteries. The fabricated Li | S-BSMs | LiFePO4 cells exhibit highly electrochemical stability and excellent cycling at temperature below melting point of PEO, which has never been reported so far for SIPEs based all-solid-state lithium batteries.

New Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Improved Lithium Batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hehemann, David G.

2002-01-01

The objective of this work was to identify, synthesize and incorporate into a working prototype, next-generation solid polymer electrolytes, that allow our pre-existing solid-state lithium battery to function better under extreme conditions. We have synthesized polymer electrolytes in which emphasis was placed on the temperature-dependent performance of these candidate electrolytes. This project was designed to produce and integrate novel polymer electrolytes into a lightweight thin-film battery that could easily be scaled up for mass production and adapted to different applications.

Hybrid solid polymer electrolyte from diapers as separator for electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashim, Mohd Azman; Yatim, Nadhrah Md.; Mahmud, Nor Azura Che; Sazali, Nur Ezniera Shafieza; Hamdan, Ellisah; Yahya, Mohd Adib; Ngah, Che Wan Zanariah Che Wan; Suhaimi, Syahida

2018-06-01

EDLC was fabricated using hybrid solid polymer electrolyte from PVA-diapers and an activated carbon powder as electrode by using solution casting method. For comparison, four types of EDLC cells were constructed and tested. It was found that an EDLC with a PVA-diapers (60:40) polymer electrolyte exhibited much higher capacitance and longer cycle-life. The electrocapacitive properties of the supercapacitor (P50HD50, P60HD40, P70HD30 and P80HD20) were done using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD). Results from these analysis showed that P60HD40 cell had recorded excellent rate capability and highest Csp value of 179 F g-1 (EIS), 50 F g-1 (CV), 328 F g-1 (GCD) respectively. Futher, results from ESR (GCD) analysis showed that P60HD40 composition of PVA/H3PO4 liquid electroyte gave a lower value of 88.05 Ω in the supercapacitor cell compared with another cells.

Low circumferential voltage gradient self supporting electrode for solid oxide fuel cells

DOEpatents

Reichner, Philip

1989-01-01

The porous, self-supporting, elongated electrode is made, having at least two chambers through its axial length, the chambers separated by an electronically conductive member. This electrode can be an air electrode of a fuel cell, having a superimposed solid electrolyte and fuel electrode.

Method of fabricating a monolithic solid oxide fuel cell

DOEpatents

Minh, N.Q.; Horne, C.R.

1994-03-01

In a two-step densifying process of making a monolithic solid oxide fuel cell, a limited number of anode-electrolyte-cathode cells separated by an interconnect layer are formed and partially densified. Subsequently, the partially densified cells are stacked and further densified to form a monolithic array. 10 figures.

Method of fabricating a monolithic solid oxide fuel cell

DOEpatents

Minh, Nguyen Q.; Horne, Craig R.

1994-01-01

In a two-step densifying process of making a monolithic solid oxide fuel cell, a limited number of anode-electrolyte-cathode cells separated by an interconnect layer are formed and partially densified. Subsequently, the partially densified cells are stacked and further densified to form a monolithic array.

Gas phase recovery of hydrogen sulfide contaminated polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakati, Biraj Kumar; Kucernak, Anthony R. J.

2014-04-01

The effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the anode of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and the gas phase recovery of the contaminated PEMFC using ozone (O3) were studied. Experiments were performed on fuel cell electrodes both in an aqueous electrolyte and within an operating fuel cell. The ex-situ analyses of a fresh electrode; a H2S contaminated electrode (23 μmolH2S cm-2); and the contaminated electrode cleaned with O3 shows that all sulfide can be removed within 900 s at room temperature. Online gas analysis of the recovery process confirms the recovery time required as around 720 s. Similarly, performance studies of an H2S contaminated PEMFC shows that complete rejuvenation occurs following 600-900 s O3 treatment at room temperature. The cleaning process involves both electrochemical oxidation (facilitated by the high equilibrium potential of the O3 reduction process) and direct chemical oxidation of the contaminant. The O3 cleaning process is more efficient than the external polarization of the single cell at 1.6 V. Application of O3 at room temperature limits the amount of carbon corrosion. Room temperature O3 treatment of poisoned fuel cell stacks may offer an efficient and quick remediation method to recover otherwise inoperable systems.

Yttria-stabilized zirconia solid oxide electrolyte fuel cells: Monolithic solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1990-10-01

The monolithic solid oxide fuel cell (MSOFC) is currently under development for a variety of applications including coal-based power generation. The MSOFC is a design concept that places the thin components of a solid oxide fuel cell in lightweight, compact, corrugated structure, and so achieves high efficiency and excellent performance simultaneously with high power density. The MSOFC can be integrated with coal gasification plants and is expected to have high overall efficiency in the conversion of the chemical energy of coal to electrical energy. This report describes work aimed at: (1) assessing manufacturing costs for the MSOFC and system costs for a coal-based plant; (2) modifying electrodes and electrode/electrolyte interfaces to improve the electrochemical performance of the MSOFC; and (3) testing the performance of the MSOFC on hydrogen and simulated coal gas. Manufacturing costs for both the coflow and crossflow MSOFC's were assessed based on the fabrication flow charts developed by direct scaleup of tape calendering and other laboratory processes. Integrated coal-based MSOFC systems were investigated to determine capital costs and costs of electricity. Design criteria were established for a coal-fueled 200-Mw power plant. Four plant arrangements were evaluated, and plant performance was analyzed. Interfacial modification involved modification of electrodes and electrode/electrolyte interfaces to improve the MSOFC electrochemical performance. Work in the cathode and cathode/electrolyte interface was concentrated on modification of electrode porosity, electrode morphology, electrode material, and interfacial bonding. Modifications of the anode and anode/electrolyte interface included the use of additives and improvement of nickel distribution. Single cells have been tested for their electrochemical performance. Performance data were typically obtained with humidified H2 or simulated coal gas and air or oxygen.

The potential of model studies for the understanding of catalyst poisoning and temperature effects in polymer electrolyte fuel cell reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behm, R. J.; Jusys, Z.

In this contribution we demonstrate the potential of model studies for the understanding of electrocatalytic reactions in low-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) operated by H 2-rich anode feed gas, in particular of the role of temperature effects and catalyst poisoning. Reviewing previous work from our laboratory and, for better comparison, focussing on carbon-supported Pt catalysts, the important role of using fuel cell relevant reaction and mass transport conditions will be outlined. The latter conditions include continuous reaction, elevated temperatures, realistic supported catalyst materials and controlled mass transport. The data show the importance of combining electrochemical techniques such as rotating disc electrode (RDE), wall-jet and flow cell measurements, and on-line differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) under controlled mass transport conditions.

Sintered electrode for solid oxide fuel cells

DOEpatents

Ruka, Roswell J.; Warner, Kathryn A.

1999-01-01

A solid oxide fuel cell fuel electrode is produced by a sintering process. An underlayer is applied to the electrolyte of a solid oxide fuel cell in the form of a slurry, which is then dried. An overlayer is applied to the underlayer and then dried. The dried underlayer and overlayer are then sintered to form a fuel electrode. Both the underlayer and the overlayer comprise a combination of electrode metal such as nickel, and stabilized zirconia such as yttria-stabilized zirconia, with the overlayer comprising a greater percentage of electrode metal. The use of more stabilized zirconia in the underlayer provides good adhesion to the electrolyte of the fuel cell, while the use of more electrode metal in the overlayer provides good electrical conductivity. The sintered fuel electrode is less expensive to produce compared with conventional electrodes made by electrochemical vapor deposition processes. The sintered electrodes exhibit favorable performance characteristics, including good porosity, adhesion, electrical conductivity and freedom from degradation.

Sintered electrode for solid oxide fuel cells

DOEpatents

Ruka, R.J.; Warner, K.A.

1999-06-01

A solid oxide fuel cell fuel electrode is produced by a sintering process. An underlayer is applied to the electrolyte of a solid oxide fuel cell in the form of a slurry, which is then dried. An overlayer is applied to the underlayer and then dried. The dried underlayer and overlayer are then sintered to form a fuel electrode. Both the underlayer and the overlayer comprise a combination of electrode metal such as nickel, and stabilized zirconia such as yttria-stabilized zirconia, with the overlayer comprising a greater percentage of electrode metal. The use of more stabilized zirconia in the underlayer provides good adhesion to the electrolyte of the fuel cell, while the use of more electrode metal in the overlayer provides good electrical conductivity. The sintered fuel electrode is less expensive to produce compared with conventional electrodes made by electrochemical vapor deposition processes. The sintered electrodes exhibit favorable performance characteristics, including good porosity, adhesion, electrical conductivity and freedom from degradation. 4 figs.

A Silica-Aerogel-Reinforced Composite Polymer Electrolyte with High Ionic Conductivity and High Modulus.

PubMed

Lin, Dingchang; Yuen, Pak Yan; Liu, Yayuan; Liu, Wei; Liu, Nian; Dauskardt, Reinhold H; Cui, Yi

2018-06-25

High-energy all-solid-state lithium (Li) batteries have great potential as next-generation energy-storage devices. Among all choices of electrolytes, polymer-based systems have attracted widespread attention due to their low density, low cost, and excellent processability. However, they are generally mechanically too weak to effectively suppress Li dendrites and have lower ionic conductivity for reasonable kinetics at ambient temperature. Herein, an ultrastrong reinforced composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) is successfully designed and fabricated by introducing a stiff mesoporous SiO 2 aerogel as the backbone for a polymer-based electrolyte. The interconnected SiO 2 aerogel not only performs as a strong backbone strengthening the whole composite, but also offers large and continuous surfaces for strong anion adsorption, which produces a highly conductive pathway across the composite. As a consequence, a high modulus of ≈0.43 GPa and high ionic conductivity of ≈0.6 mS cm -1 at 30 °C are simultaneously achieved. Furthermore, LiFePO 4 -Li full cells with good cyclability and rate capability at ambient temperature are obtained. Full cells with cathode capacity up to 2.1 mAh cm -2 are also demonstrated. The aerogel-reinforced CPE represents a new design principle for solid-state electrolytes and offers opportunities for future all-solid-state Li batteries. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Solid oxide fuel cell having monolithic core

DOEpatents

Ackerman, J.P.; Young, J.E.

1983-10-12

A solid oxide fuel cell is described for electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant for generating galvanic output, wherein the cell core has an array of electrolyte and interconnect walls that are substantially devoid of any composite inert materials for support. Instead, the core is monolithic, where each electrolyte wall consists of thin layers of cathode and anode materials sandwiching a thin layer of electrolyte material therebetween. The electrolyte walls are arranged and backfolded between adjacent interconnect walls operable to define a plurality of core passageways alternately arranged where the inside faces thereof have only the anode material or only the cathode material exposed. Means direct the fuel to the anode-exposed core passageways and means direct the oxidant to the anode-exposed core passageways and means direct the oxidant to the cathode-exposed core passageway; and means also direct the galvanic output to an exterior circuit. Each layer of the electrolyte and interconnect materials is of the order of 0.002 to 0.01 cm thick; and each layer of the cathode and anode materials is of the order of 0.002 to 0.05 cm thick.

Sulfonated polyphenylene polymers

DOEpatents

Cornelius, Christopher J.; Fujimoto, Cy H.; Hickner, Michael A.

2007-11-27

Improved sulfonated polyphenylene compositions, improved polymer electrolyte membranes and nanocomposites formed there from for use in fuel cells are described herein. The improved compositions, membranes and nanocomposites formed there from overcome limitations of Nafion.RTM. membranes.

Realization of Both High-Performance and Enhanced Durability of Fuel Cells: Pt-Exoskeleton Structure Electrocatalysts.

PubMed

Kim, Ok-Hee; Cho, Yoon-Hwan; Jeon, Tae-Yeol; Kim, Jung Won; Cho, Yong-Hun; Sung, Yung-Eun

2015-07-01

Core-shell structure nanoparticles have been the subject of many studies over the past few years and continue to be studied as electrocatalysts for fuel cells. Therefore, many excellent core-shell catalysts have been fabricated, but few studies have reported the real application of these catalysts in a practical device actual application. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of platinum (Pt)-exoskeleton structure nanoparticles as cathode catalysts with high stability and remarkable Pt mass activity and report the outstanding performance of these materials when used in membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) within a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. The stability and degradation characteristics of these materials were also investigated in single cells in an accelerated degradation test using load cycling, which is similar to the drive cycle of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell used in vehicles. The MEAs with Pt-exoskeleton structure catalysts showed enhanced performance throughout the single cell test and exhibited improved degradation ability that differed from that of a commercial Pt/C catalyst.

Performance of intermediate temperature (600-800 °C) solid oxide fuel cell based on Sr and Mg doped lanthanum-gallate electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Wenquan; Gopalan, Srikanth; Pal, Uday B.

The solid electrolyte chosen for this investigation was La 0.9Sr 0.1Ga 0.8Mg 0.2O 3 (LSGM). To select appropriate electrode materials from a group of possible candidate materials, AC complex impedance spectroscopy studies were conducted between 600 and 800 °C on symmetrical cells that employed the LSGM electrolyte. Based on the results of the investigation, LSGM electrolyte supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) were fabricated with La 0.6Sr 0.4Co 0.8Fe 0.2O 3-La 0.9Sr 0.1Ga 0.8Mg 0.2O 3 (LSCF-LSGM) composite cathode and nickel-Ce 0.6La 0.4O 2 (Ni-LDC) composite anode having a barrier layer of Ce 0.6La 0.4O 2 (LDC) between the LSGM electrolyte and the Ni-LDC anode. Electrical performances of these cells were determined and the electrode polarization behavior as a function of cell current was modeled between 600 and 800 °C.

Reciprocated suppression of polymer crystallization toward improved solid polymer electrolytes: Higher ion conductivity and tunable mechanical properties

DOE PAGES

Bi, Sheng; Sun, Che-Nan; Zawodzinski, Thomas A.; ...

2015-08-06

Solid polymer electrolytes based on lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide and polymer matrix were extensively studied in the past due to their excellent potential in a broad range of energy related applications. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) are among the most examined polymer candidates as solid polymer electrolyte matrix. In this paper, we study the effect of reciprocated suppression of polymer crystallization in PVDF/PEO binary matrix on ion transport and mechanical properties of the resultant solid polymer electrolytes. With electron and X-ray diffractions as well as energy filtered transmission electron microscopy, we identify and examine the appropriate blending composition thatmore » is responsible for the diminishment of both PVDF and PEO crystallites. Laslty, a three-fold conductivity enhancement is achieved along with a highly tunable elastic modulus ranging from 20 to 200 MPa, which is expected to contribute toward future designs of solid polymer electrolytes with high room-temperature ion conductivities and mechanical flexibility.« less

Poly(terphenylene) Anion Exchange Membranes: The Effect of Backbone Structure on Morphology and Membrane Property

DOE PAGES

Lee, Woo-Hyung; Park, Eun Joo; Han, Junyoung; ...

2017-05-05

A new design concept for ion-conducting polymers in anion exchange membranes (AEMs) fuel cells is proposed based on structural studies and conformational analysis of polymers and their effect on the properties of AEMs. Thermally, chemically, and mechanically stable terphenyl-based polymers with pendant quaternary ammonium alkyl groups were synthesized to investigate the effect of varying the arrangement of the polymer backbone and cation-tethered alkyl chains. The results demonstrate that the microstructure and morphology of these polymeric membranes significantly influence ion conductivity and fuel cell performance. Finally, the results of this study provide new insights that will guide the molecular design ofmore » polymer electrolyte materials to improve fuel cell performance.« less

Anion exchange membrane fuel cell modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fragiacomo, P.; Astorino, E.; Chippari, G.; De Lorenzo, G.; Czarnetzki, W. T.; Schneider, W.

2018-04-01

A parametric model predicting the performance of a solid polymer electrolyte, anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC), has been developed, in Matlab environment, based on interrelated electrical and thermal models. The electrical model proposed is developed by modelling an AEMFC open-circuit output voltage, irreversible voltage losses along with a mass balance, while the thermal model is based on the energy balance. The proposed model of the AEMFC stack estimates its dynamic behaviour, in particular the operating temperature variation for different discharge current values. The results of the theoretical fuel cell (FC) stack are reported and analysed in order to highlight the FC performance and how it varies by changing the values of some parameters such as temperature and pressure. Both the electrical and thermal FC models were validated by comparing the model results with experimental data and the results of other models found in the literature.

Interfacial stability and electrochemical behavior of Li/LiFePO4 batteries using novel soft and weakly adhesive photo-ionogel electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aidoud, D.; Etiemble, A.; Guy-Bouyssou, D.; Maire, E.; Le Bideau, J.; Guyomard, D.; Lestriez, B.

2016-10-01

We have developed flexible polymer-gel electrolytes based on a polyacrylate cross-linked matrix that confines an ionic liquid doped with a lithium salt. Free-standing solid electrolyte membrane is obtained after UV photo-polymerization of acrylic monomers dissolved inside the ionic liquid/lithium salt mixture. The liquid precursor of the photo-ionogel may also be directly deposited onto porous composite electrode, which results in all-solid state electrode/electrolyte stacking after UV illumination. Minor variations in the polymer component of the electrolyte formulation significantly affect the electrochemical behavior in LiFePO4/lithium and lithium/lithium cells. The rate performance increases with an increase of the ionic conductivity, which decreases with the polymer content and decreases with increasing oxygen content in the polyacrylate matrix. Their fairly low modulus endow them weak and beneficial pressure-sensitive-adhesive character. X-Rays Tomography shows that the solid-state photo-ionogel electrolytes keep their integrity upon cycling and that their surface remains smooth. The coulombic efficiency of LiFePO4/lithium cells increases with an increase of the adhesive strength of the photo-ionogel, suggesting a relationship between the contact intimacy at the lithium/photo-ionogel interface and the efficiency of the lithium striping/plating. In lithium/lithium cells, only the photo-ionogels with the higher adhesion strength are able to allow the reversible striping/plating of lithium.

A solid state actuator based on polypyrrole (PPy) and a solid electrolyte NBR working in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Misuk; Nam, Jaedo; Choi, Hyouk Ryeol; Koo, Jachoon; Lee, Youngkwan

2005-05-01

The solid polymer electrolyte based conducting polymer actuator was presented. In the preparation of acutuator module, an ionic liquid impregnated a synthetic rubber (NBR) and PPy were used as a solid polymer electrolyte and conducting polymer, respectively. An ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (BMITFSI) is gradually dispersed into the NBR film and the conducting polymer, PPy was synthesized on the surface of NBR. The ionic conductivity of new type solid polymer electrolyte as a function of the immersion time was investigated. The cyclic voltammetry responsed and the redox switching dynamics of PEDOT in NBR matrix were studied. The displacement of the actuator was measured by laser beam.

Using a Quasipotential Transformation for Modeling Diffusion Media inPolymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weber, Adam Z.; Newman, John

2008-08-29

In this paper, a quasipotential approach along with conformal mapping is used to model the diffusion media of a polymer-electrolyte fuel cell. This method provides a series solution that is grid independent and only requires integration along a single boundary to solve the problem. The approach accounts for nonisothermal phenomena, two-phase flow, correct placement of the electronic potential boundary condition, and multilayer media. The method is applied to a cathode diffusion medium to explore the interplay between water and thermal management and performance, the impact of the rib-to-channel ratio, and the existence of diffusion under the rib and flooding phenomena.

Communication — Modeling polymer-electrolyte fuel-cell agglomerates with double-trap kinetics

DOE PAGES

Pant, Lalit M.; Weber, Adam Z.

2017-04-14

A new semi-analytical agglomerate model is presented for polymer-electrolyte fuel-cell cathodes. The model uses double-trap kinetics for the oxygen-reduction reaction, which can capture the observed potential-dependent coverage and Tafel-slope changes. An iterative semi-analytical approach is used to obtain reaction rate constants from the double-trap kinetics, oxygen concentration at the agglomerate surface, and overall agglomerate reaction rate. The analytical method can predict reaction rates within 2% of the numerically simulated values for a wide range of oxygen concentrations, overpotentials, and agglomerate sizes, while saving simulation time compared to a fully numerical approach.

Investigation into the Implications of Fuel Cell Shipboard Integration into the T-AGOS 19 Class

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

with each defined by its fundamental electrolyte: i. Alkali Fuel Cells (AFC) ii. Polymer Exchange Membrane ( PEM ) iii. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells ...of the PEM family (High Temperature – HTPEM and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells – DMFC) were assessed against a range of basic ship requirements...of Stationary PEM Fuel Cell Systems”, DOE hydrogen program 2010 annual report. [11] US Energy Information Administration, “EIA - Weekly Retail

Nb doped TiO2 as a Cathode Catalyst Support Material for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Toole, Alexander W.

In order to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and reduce dependence on the use of fossil fuels, it is necessary to pursue alternative sources of energy. Transportation is a major contributor to the emission of greenhouse gases due to the use of fossil fuels in the internal combustion engine. To reduce emission of these pollutants into the atmosphere, research is needed to produce alternative solutions for vehicle transportation. Low temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are energy conversion devices that provide an alternative to the internal combustion engine, however, they still have obstacles to overcome to achieve large scale implementation. T he following work presents original research with regards to the development of Nb doped TiO2 as a cathode catalyst support material for low temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The development of a new process to synthesize nanoparticles of Nb doped TiO2 with controlled compositions is presented as well as methods to scale up the process and optimize the synthesis for the aforementioned application. In addition to this, comparison of both electrochemical activity and durability with current state of the art Pt on high surface area carbon black (Vulcan XC-72) is investigated. Effects of the strong metal-support interaction on the electrochemical behavior of these materials is also observed and discussed.

Structural design considerations for micromachined solid-oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srikar, V. T.; Turner, Kevin T.; Andrew Ie, Tze Yung; Spearing, S. Mark

Micromachined solid-oxide fuel cells (μSOFCs) are among a class of devices being investigated for portable power generation. Optimization of the performance and reliability of such devices requires robust, scale-dependent, design methodologies. In this first analysis, we consider the structural design of planar, electrolyte-supported, μSOFCs from the viewpoints of electrochemical performance, mechanical stability and reliability, and thermal behavior. The effect of electrolyte thickness on fuel cell performance is evaluated using a simple analytical model. Design diagrams that account explicitly for thermal and intrinsic residual stresses are presented to identify geometries that are resistant to fracture and buckling. Analysis of energy loss due to in-plane heat conduction highlights the importance of efficient thermal isolation in microscale fuel cell design.

Program for fundamental and applied research of fuel cells in VNIIEF

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anisin, A.V.; Borisseonock, V.A.; Novitskii, Y.Z.

1996-04-01

According to VNIIEF the integral part of development of fuel cell power plants is fundamental and applied research. This paper describes areas of research on molten carbonate fuel cells. Topics include the development of mathematical models for porous electrodes, thin film electrolytes, the possibility of solid nickel anodes, model of activation polarization of anode, electrolyte with high solubility of oxygen. Other areas include research on a stationary mode of stack operation, anticorrosion coatings, impedance diagnostic methods, ultrasound diagnostics, radiation treatments, an air aluminium cell, and alternative catalysts for low temperature fuel cells.

Polymer electrolyte membrane assembly for fuel cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yen, Shiao-Ping S. (Inventor); Kindler, Andrew (Inventor); Yavrouian, Andre (Inventor); Halpert, Gerald (Inventor)

2002-01-01

An electrolyte membrane for use in a fuel cell can contain sulfonated polyphenylether sulfones. The membrane can contain a first sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone and a second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone, wherein the first sulfonated polyphenylether and the second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone have equivalent weights greater than about 560, and the first sulfonated polyphenylether and the second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone also have different equivalent weights. Also, a membrane for use in a fuel cell can contain a sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone and an unsulfonated polyphenylether sulfone. Methods for manufacturing a membrane electrode assemblies for use in fuel cells can include roughening a membrane surface. Electrodes and methods for fabricating such electrodes for use in a chemical fuel cell can include sintering an electrode. Such membranes and electrodes can be assembled into chemical fuel cells.

Polymer electrolyte membrane assembly for fuel cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yen, Shiao-Ping S. (Inventor); Kindler, Andrew (Inventor); Yavrouian, Andre (Inventor); Halpert, Gerald (Inventor)

2000-01-01

An electrolyte membrane for use in a fuel cell can contain sulfonated polyphenylether sulfones. The membrane can contain a first sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone and a second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone, wherein the first sulfonated polyphenylether and the second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone have equivalent weights greater than about 560, and the first sulfonated polyphenylether and the second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone also have different equivalent weights. Also, a membrane for use in a fuel cell can contain a sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone and an unsulfonated polyphenylether sulfone. Methods for manufacturing a membrane electrode assemblies for use in fuel cells can include roughening a membrane surface. Electrodes and methods for fabricating such electrodes for use in a chemical fuel cell can include sintering an electrode. Such membranes and electrodes can be assembled into chemical fuel cells.

Fuel cell generator

DOEpatents

Isenberg, Arnold O.

1983-01-01

High temperature solid oxide electrolyte fuel cell generators which allow controlled leakage among plural chambers in a sealed housing. Depleted oxidant and fuel are directly reacted in one chamber to combust remaining fuel and preheat incoming reactants. The cells are preferably electrically arranged in a series-parallel configuration.

Strongly correlated perovskite fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, You; Guan, Xiaofei; Zhou, Hua; Ramadoss, Koushik; Adam, Suhare; Liu, Huajun; Lee, Sungsik; Shi, Jian; Tsuchiya, Masaru; Fong, Dillon D.; Ramanathan, Shriram

2016-06-01

Fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy with high efficiencies and environmental benefits, as compared with traditional heat engines. Yttria-stabilized zirconia is perhaps the material with the most potential as an electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), owing to its stability and near-unity ionic transference number. Although there exist materials with superior ionic conductivity, they are often limited by their ability to suppress electronic leakage when exposed to the reducing environment at the fuel interface. Such electronic leakage reduces fuel cell power output and the associated chemo-mechanical stresses can also lead to catastrophic fracture of electrolyte membranes. Here we depart from traditional electrolyte design that relies on cation substitution to sustain ionic conduction. Instead, we use a perovskite nickelate as an electrolyte with high initial ionic and electronic conductivity. Since many such oxides are also correlated electron systems, we can suppress the electronic conduction through a filling-controlled Mott transition induced by spontaneous hydrogen incorporation. Using such a nickelate as the electrolyte in free-standing membrane geometry, we demonstrate a low-temperature micro-fabricated SOFC with high performance. The ionic conductivity of the nickelate perovskite is comparable to the best-performing solid electrolytes in the same temperature range, with a very low activation energy. The results present a design strategy for high-performance materials exhibiting emergent properties arising from strong electron correlations.

Strongly correlated perovskite fuel cells

DOE PAGES

Zhou, You; Guan, Xiaofei; Zhou, Hua; ...

2016-05-16

Fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy with high efficiencies and environmental benefits, as compared with traditional heat engines. Yttria-stabilized zirconia is perhaps the material with the most potential as an electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), owing to its stability and near-unity ionic transference number. Although there exist materials with superior ionic conductivity, they are often limited by their ability to suppress electronic leakage when exposed to the reducing environment at the fuel interface. Such electronic leakage reduces fuel cell power output and the associated chemo-mechanical stresses can also lead to catastrophic fracture of electrolyte membranes.more » Here we depart from traditional electrolyte design that relies on cation substitution to sustain ionic conduction. Instead, we use a perovskite nickelate as an electrolyte with high initial ionic and electronic conductivity. Since many such oxides are also correlated electron systems, we can suppress the electronic conduction through a filling-controlled Mott transition induced by spontaneous hydrogen incorporation. Using such a nickelate as the electrolyte in free-standing membrane geometry, we demonstrate a low-temperature micro-fabricated SOFC with high performance. The ionic conductivity of the nickelate perovskite is comparable to the best-performing solid electrolytes in the same temperature range, with a very low activation energy. The results present a design strategy for high-performance materials exhibiting emergent properties arising from strong electron correlations.« less

Strongly correlated perovskite fuel cells.

PubMed

Zhou, You; Guan, Xiaofei; Zhou, Hua; Ramadoss, Koushik; Adam, Suhare; Liu, Huajun; Lee, Sungsik; Shi, Jian; Tsuchiya, Masaru; Fong, Dillon D; Ramanathan, Shriram

2016-06-09

Fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy with high efficiencies and environmental benefits, as compared with traditional heat engines. Yttria-stabilized zirconia is perhaps the material with the most potential as an electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), owing to its stability and near-unity ionic transference number. Although there exist materials with superior ionic conductivity, they are often limited by their ability to suppress electronic leakage when exposed to the reducing environment at the fuel interface. Such electronic leakage reduces fuel cell power output and the associated chemo-mechanical stresses can also lead to catastrophic fracture of electrolyte membranes. Here we depart from traditional electrolyte design that relies on cation substitution to sustain ionic conduction. Instead, we use a perovskite nickelate as an electrolyte with high initial ionic and electronic conductivity. Since many such oxides are also correlated electron systems, we can suppress the electronic conduction through a filling-controlled Mott transition induced by spontaneous hydrogen incorporation. Using such a nickelate as the electrolyte in free-standing membrane geometry, we demonstrate a low-temperature micro-fabricated SOFC with high performance. The ionic conductivity of the nickelate perovskite is comparable to the best-performing solid electrolytes in the same temperature range, with a very low activation energy. The results present a design strategy for high-performance materials exhibiting emergent properties arising from strong electron correlations.

Current status of solid-state lithium batteries employing solid redox polymerization cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Visco, S. J.; Doeff, M. M.; Dejonghe, L. C.

1991-03-01

The rapidly growing demand for secondary batteries having high specific energy and power has naturally led to increased efforts in lithium battery technology. Still, the increased safety risks associated with high energy density systems has tempered the enthusiasm of proponents of such systems for use in the consumer marketplace. The inherent advantages of all-solid-state batteries in regards to safety and reliability are strong factors in advocating their introduction to the marketplace. However, the low ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes relative to nonaqueous liquid electrolytes implies low power densities for solid state systems operating at ambient temperatures. Recent advances in polymer electrolytes have led to the introduction of solid electrolytes having conductivities in the range of 10(exp -4)/ohm cm at room temperature; this is still two orders of magnitude lower than liquid electrolytes. Although these improved ambient conductivities put solid state batteries in the realm of practical devices, it is clear that solid state batteries using such polymeric separators will be thin film devices. Fortunately, thin film fabrication techniques are well established in the plastics and paper industry, and present the possibility of continuous web-form manufacturing. This style of battery manufacture should make solid polymer batteries very cost-competitive with conventional secondary cells. In addition, the greater geometric flexibility of thin film solid state cells should provide benefits in terms of the end-use form factor in device design. This work discusses the status of solid redox polymerization cathodes.

NASA Glenn Research Center Electrochemistry Branch Battery and Fuel Cell Development Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manzo, Michelle A.

2011-01-01

This presentation covers an overview of NASA Glenn s history and heritage in the development of electrochemical systems for aerospace applications. Current developments related to batteries and fuel cells are addressed. Specific areas of focus are Li-ion batteries and Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cells systems and their development for future Exploration missions.

The Synthesis and Characterization of Ionic Liquids for Alkali-Metal Batteries and a Novel Electrolyte for Non-Humidified Fuel Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tucker, Telpriore G.

This thesis focused on physicochemical and electrochemical projects directed towards two electrolyte types: 1) class of ionic liquids serving as electrolytes in the catholyte for alkali-metal ion conduction in batteries and 2) gel membrane for proton conduction in fuel cells; where overall aims were encouraged by the U.S. Department of Energy. Large-scale, sodium-ion batteries are seen as global solutions to providing undisrupted electricity from sustainable, but power-fluctuating, energy production in the near future. Foreseen ideal advantages are lower cost without sacrifice of desired high-energy densities relative to present lithium-ion and lead-acid battery systems. Na/NiCl2 (ZEBRA) and Na/S battery chemistries, suffer from high operation temperature (>300ºC) and safety concerns following major fires consequent of fuel mixing after cell-separator rupturing. Initial interest was utilizing low-melting organic ionic liquid, [EMI+][AlCl 4-], with well-known molten salt, NaAlCl4, to create a low-to-moderate operating temperature version of ZEBRA batteries; which have been subject of prior sodium battery research spanning decades. Isothermal conductivities of these electrolytes revealed a fundamental kinetic problem arisen from "alkali cation-trapping effect" yet relived by heat-ramping >140ºC. Battery testing based on [EMI+][FeCl4 -] with NaAlCl4 functioned exceptional (range 150-180ºC) at an impressive energy efficiency >96%. Newly prepared inorganic ionic liquid, [PBr4+][Al2Br7-]:NaAl2Br 7, melted at 94ºC. NaAl2Br7 exhibited super-ionic conductivity 10-1.75 Scm-1 at 62ºC ensued by solid-state rotator phase transition. Also improved thermal stability when tested to 265ºC and less expensive chemical synthesis. [PBr4 +][Al2Br7-] demonstrated remarkable, ionic decoupling in the liquid-state due to incomplete bromide-ion transfer depicted in NMR measurements. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices generating electrical energy reacting hydrogen/oxygen gases producing water vapor. Principle advantage is high-energy efficiency of up to 70% in contrast to an internal combustion engine <40%. Nafion-based fuel cells are prone to carbon monoxide catalytic poisoning and polymer membrane degradation unless heavily hydrated under cell-pressurization. This novel "SiPOH" solid-electrolytic gel (originally liquid-state) operated in the fuel cell at 121ºC yielding current and power densities high as 731mAcm-2 and 345mWcm-2, respectively. Enhanced proton conduction significantly increased H2 fuel efficiency to 89.7% utilizing only 3.1mlmin-1 under dry, unpressurized testing conditions. All these energy devices aforementioned evidently have future promise; therefore in early developmental stages.

Catalyst supports for polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

PubMed

Subban, Chinmayee; Zhou, Qin; Leonard, Brian; Ranjan, Chinmoy; Edvenson, Heather M; Disalvo, F J; Munie, Semeret; Hunting, Janet

2010-07-28

A major challenge in obtaining long-term durability in fuel cells is to discover catalyst supports that do not corrode, or corrode much more slowly than the current carbon blacks used in today's polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Such materials must be sufficiently stable at low pH (acidic conditions) and high potential, in contact with the polymer membrane and under exposure to hydrogen gas and oxygen at temperatures up to perhaps 120 degrees C. Here, we report the initial discovery of a promising class of doped oxide materials for this purpose: Ti(1-x)M(x)O(2), where M=a variety of transition metals. Specifically, we show that Ti(0.7)W(0.3)O(2) is electrochemically inert over the appropriate potential range. Although the process is not yet optimized, when Pt nanoparticles are deposited on this oxide, electrochemical experiments show that hydrogen is oxidized and oxygen reduced at rates comparable to those seen using a commercial Pt on carbon black support.

Electrochemical testing of suspension plasma sprayed solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldbillig, D.; Kesler, O.

Electrochemical performance of metal-supported plasma sprayed (PS) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) was tested for three nominal electrolyte thicknesses and three electrolyte fabrication conditions to determine the effects of electrolyte thickness and microstructure on open circuit voltage (OCV) and series resistance (R s). The measured OCV values were approximately 90% of the Nernst voltages, and electrolyte area specific resistances below 0.1 Ω cm 2 were obtained at 750 °C for electrolyte thicknesses below 20 μm. Least-squares fitting was used to estimate the contributions to R s of the YSZ bulk material, its microstructure, and the contact resistance between the current collectors and the cells. It was found that the 96% dense electrolyte layers produced from high plasma gas flow rate conditions had the lowest permeation rates, the highest OCV values, and the smallest electrolyte-related voltage losses. Optimal electrolyte thicknesses were determined for each electrolyte microstructure that would result in the lowest combination of OCV loss and voltage loss due to series resistance for operating voltages of 0.8 V and 0.7 V.

Fundamentals of fuel cell system integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krumpelt, Michael; Kumar, Romesh; Myles, Kevin M.

1994-04-01

Fuel cells are theoretically very efficient energy conversion devices that have the potential of becoming a commercial product for numerous uses in the civilian economy. We have analyzed several fuel cell system designs with regard to thermal and chemical integration of the fuel cell stack into the rest of the system. Thermal integration permits the use of the stack waste heat for the endothermic steps of fuel reforming. Chemical integration provides the steam needed for fuel reforming from the water produced by the electrochemical cell reaction. High-temperature fuel cells, such as the molten carbonate and the solid oxide fuel cells, permit this system integration in a relatively simple manner. Lower temperature fuel cells, such as the polymer electrolyte and phosphoric acid systems, require added system complexity to achieve such integration. The system economics are affected by capital and fuel costs and technical parameters, such as electrochemical fuel utilization, current density, and system complexity. At today's low fuel prices and the high fuel cell costs (in part, because of the low rates of production of the early prototypes), fuel cell systems are not cost competitive with conventional power generation. With the manufacture and sale of larger numbers of fuel cell systems, the total costs will decrease from the current several thousand dollars per kW, to perhaps less than $100 per kW as production volumes approa ch a million units per year.

Polymer electrolyte fuel cell mini power unit for portable application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbani, F.; Squadrito, G.; Barbera, O.; Giacoppo, G.; Passalacqua, E.; Zerbinati, O.

This paper describes the design, realisation and test of a power unit based on a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, operating at room temperature, for portable application. The device is composed of an home made air breathing fuel cell stack, a metal hydride tank for H 2 supply, a dc-dc converter for power output control and a fan for stack cooling. The stack is composed by 10 cells with an active surface of 25 cm 2 and produces a rated power of 15 W at 6 V and 2 A. The stack successfully runs with end-off fed hydrogen without appreciable performance degradation during the time. The final assembled system is able to generate 12 W at 9.5 V, and power a portable DVD player for 3 h in continuous. The power unit has collected about 100 h of operation without maintenance.

The Effect of Platinum Electrocatalyst on Membrane Degradation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Bodner, Merit; Cermenek, Bernd; Rami, Mija; Hacker, Viktor

2015-12-08

Membrane degradation is a severe factor limiting the lifetime of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Therefore, obtaining a deeper knowledge is fundamental in order to establish fuel cells as competitive product. A segmented single cell was operated under open circuit voltage with alternating relative humidity. The influence of the catalyst layer on membrane degradation was evaluated by measuring a membrane without electrodes and a membrane-electrode-assembly under identical conditions. After 100 h of accelerated stress testing the proton conductivity of membrane samples near the anode and cathode was investigated by means of ex situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The membrane sample near the cathode inlet exhibited twofold lower membrane resistance and a resulting twofold higher proton conductivity than the membrane sample near the anode inlet. The results from the fluoride ion analysis have shown that the presence of platinum reduces the fluoride emission rate; which supports conclusions drawn from the literature.

The Effect of Platinum Electrocatalyst on Membrane Degradation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

Bodner, Merit; Cermenek, Bernd; Rami, Mija; Hacker, Viktor

2015-01-01

Membrane degradation is a severe factor limiting the lifetime of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Therefore, obtaining a deeper knowledge is fundamental in order to establish fuel cells as competitive product. A segmented single cell was operated under open circuit voltage with alternating relative humidity. The influence of the catalyst layer on membrane degradation was evaluated by measuring a membrane without electrodes and a membrane-electrode-assembly under identical conditions. After 100 h of accelerated stress testing the proton conductivity of membrane samples near the anode and cathode was investigated by means of ex situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The membrane sample near the cathode inlet exhibited twofold lower membrane resistance and a resulting twofold higher proton conductivity than the membrane sample near the anode inlet. The results from the fluoride ion analysis have shown that the presence of platinum reduces the fluoride emission rate; which supports conclusions drawn from the literature. PMID:26670258

Transient Response of a PEM Fuel Cell Representing Variable Load for a Moving Vehicle on Urban Roads

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-01-01

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of transient response of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell subjected to a variable load is developed. The model parameters are typical of experimental cell for a 10-cm2 reactive area with serpentine...

Characterization of ceria electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cell applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milliken, Christopher Edward

The goal of this research effort is to characterize cation doped cerium dioxide for use as an electrolyte material in solid oxide fuel cell applications. A variety of analytical techniques including thermogravimetric analysis, controlled atmosphere dilatometry, and AC/DC electronic measurements on single cells and stacks have been coupled with thermodynamic calculations to evaluate the suitability of several doping schemes. The results of this analysis indicate that doping CeOsb2 with 20% SmOsb{1.5} or codoping with 19% GdOsb{1.5} + 1% PrOsb{1.83} provides the best combination of stability and performance. Under dual atmosphere fuel cell conditions, these dopants do not provide sufficient stabilization energy to prevent the reduction of ceria. A significant oxygen leakage current can be expected, particularly near open circuit conditions. Incorporation of 10% SrO provides similar short-term advantages to the lanthanide doped system but this electrolyte material undergoes an irreversible degradation mechanism that results in cell failure within 1500 hours of test. Under fuel cell conditions, the maximum efficiency of such systems in stacks will be below 40% at 200 mW/cmsp2 when operated on humidified hydrogen fuels. This compares to an expected efficiency of 45-50% at a similar power density for nonmixed conducting electrolyte (e.g., YSZ).

High elastic modulus polymer electrolytes suitable for preventing thermal runaway in lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Mullin, Scott; Panday, Ashoutosh; Balsara, Nitash Pervez; Singh, Mohit; Eitouni, Hany Basam; Gomez, Enrique Daniel

2014-04-22

A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1.times.10.sup.7 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1.times.10.sup.-5 Scm.sup.-1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics. In another aspect, the electrolyte exhibits a conductivity drop when the temperature of electrolyte increases over a threshold temperature, thereby providing a shutoff mechanism for preventing thermal runaway in lithium battery cells.

Solid State Ionics: from Michael Faraday to green energy-the European dimension.

PubMed

Funke, Klaus

2013-08-01

Solid State Ionics has its roots essentially in Europe. First foundations were laid by Michael Faraday who discovered the solid electrolytes Ag 2 S and PbF 2 and coined terms such as cation and anion , electrode and electrolyte . In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the main lines of development toward Solid State Ionics, pursued in Europe, concerned the linear laws of transport, structural analysis, disorder and entropy and the electrochemical storage and conversion of energy. Fundamental contributions were then made by Walther Nernst, who derived the Nernst equation and detected ionic conduction in heterovalently doped zirconia, which he utilized in his Nernst lamp. Another big step forward was the discovery of the extraordinary properties of alpha silver iodide in 1914. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the concept of point defects was established by Yakov Il'ich Frenkel, Walter Schottky and Carl Wagner, including the development of point-defect thermodynamics by Schottky and Wagner. In terms of point defects, ionic (and electronic) transport in ionic crystals became easy to visualize. In an 'evolving scheme of materials science', point disorder precedes structural disorder, as displayed by the AgI-type solid electrolytes (and other ionic crystals), by ion-conducting glasses, polymer electrolytes and nano-composites. During the last few decades, much progress has been made in finding and investigating novel solid electrolytes and in using them for the preservation of our environment, in particular in advanced solid state battery systems, fuel cells and sensors. Since 1972, international conferences have been held in the field of Solid State Ionics, and the International Society for Solid State Ionics was founded at one of them, held at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, in 1987.

Solid State Ionics: from Michael Faraday to green energy—the European dimension

PubMed Central

Funke, Klaus

2013-01-01

Solid State Ionics has its roots essentially in Europe. First foundations were laid by Michael Faraday who discovered the solid electrolytes Ag2S and PbF2 and coined terms such as cation and anion, electrode and electrolyte. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the main lines of development toward Solid State Ionics, pursued in Europe, concerned the linear laws of transport, structural analysis, disorder and entropy and the electrochemical storage and conversion of energy. Fundamental contributions were then made by Walther Nernst, who derived the Nernst equation and detected ionic conduction in heterovalently doped zirconia, which he utilized in his Nernst lamp. Another big step forward was the discovery of the extraordinary properties of alpha silver iodide in 1914. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the concept of point defects was established by Yakov Il'ich Frenkel, Walter Schottky and Carl Wagner, including the development of point-defect thermodynamics by Schottky and Wagner. In terms of point defects, ionic (and electronic) transport in ionic crystals became easy to visualize. In an ‘evolving scheme of materials science’, point disorder precedes structural disorder, as displayed by the AgI-type solid electrolytes (and other ionic crystals), by ion-conducting glasses, polymer electrolytes and nano-composites. During the last few decades, much progress has been made in finding and investigating novel solid electrolytes and in using them for the preservation of our environment, in particular in advanced solid state battery systems, fuel cells and sensors. Since 1972, international conferences have been held in the field of Solid State Ionics, and the International Society for Solid State Ionics was founded at one of them, held at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, in 1987. PMID:27877585

Investigation into the Implications of Fuel Cell Shipboard Integration into the T-AGOS 19 Class

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

with each defined by its fundamental electrolyte: i. Alkali Fuel Cells (AFC) ii. Polymer Exchange Membrane ( PEM ) iii. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells ...of the PEM family (High Temperature – HTPEM and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells – DMFC) were assessed against a range of basic ship requirements...of fuel cell stacks in 100+kW power range for realistic marine applications, two technologies can be quickly discounted, namely – AFC, DMFC. PEM

A novel design of anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells with Y 2O 3-doped Bi 2O 3, LaGaO 3 and La-doped CeO 2 trilayer electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Weimin; Liu, Jiang

Anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with a trilayered yttria-doped bismuth oxide (YDB), strontium- and magnesium-doped lanthanum gallate (LSGM) and lanthanum-doped ceria (LDC) composite electrolyte film are developed. The cell with a YDB (18 μm)/LSGM (19 μm)/LDC (13 μm) composite electrolyte film (designated as cell-A) shows the open-circuit voltages (OCVs) slightly higher than that of a cell with an LSGM (31 μm)/LDC (17 μm) electrolyte film (designated as cell-B) in the operating temperature range of 500-700 °C. The cell-A using Ag-YDB composition as cathode exhibits lower polarization resistance and ohmic resistance than those of a cell-B at 700 °C. The results show that the introduction of YDB to an anode-supported SOFC with a LSGM/LDC composite electrolyte film can effectively block electronic transport through the cell and thus increased the OCVs, and can help the cell to achieve higher power output.

Study on Zinc Oxide-Based Electrolytes in Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Xia, Chen; Qiao, Zheng; Feng, Chu; Kim, Jung-Sik; Wang, Baoyuan; Zhu, Bin

2017-12-28

Semiconducting-ionic conductors have been recently described as excellent electrolyte membranes for low-temperature operation solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs). In the present work, two new functional materials based on zinc oxide (ZnO)-a legacy material in semiconductors but exceptionally novel to solid state ionics-are developed as membranes in SOFCs for the first time. The proposed ZnO and ZnO-LCP (La/Pr doped CeO₂) electrolytes are respectively sandwiched between two Ni 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 Li-oxide (NCAL) electrodes to construct fuel cell devices. The assembled ZnO fuel cell demonstrates encouraging power outputs of 158-482 mW cm -2 and high open circuit voltages (OCVs) of 1-1.06 V at 450-550 °C, while the ZnO-LCP cell delivers significantly enhanced performance with maximum power density of 864 mW cm -2 and OCV of 1.07 V at 550 °C. The conductive properties of the materials are investigated. As a consequence, the ZnO electrolyte and ZnO-LCP composite exhibit extraordinary ionic conductivities of 0.09 and 0.156 S cm -1 at 550 °C, respectively, and the proton conductive behavior of ZnO is verified. Furthermore, performance enhancement of the ZnO-LCP cell is studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which is found to be as a result of the significantly reduced grain boundary and electrode polarization resistances. These findings indicate that ZnO is a highly promising alternative semiconducting-ionic membrane to replace the electrolyte materials for advanced LT-SOFCs, which in turn provides a new strategic pathway for the future development of electrolytes.

Study on Zinc Oxide-Based Electrolytes in Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

Qiao, Zheng; Feng, Chu; Wang, Baoyuan; Zhu, Bin

2017-01-01

Semiconducting-ionic conductors have been recently described as excellent electrolyte membranes for low-temperature operation solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs). In the present work, two new functional materials based on zinc oxide (ZnO)—a legacy material in semiconductors but exceptionally novel to solid state ionics—are developed as membranes in SOFCs for the first time. The proposed ZnO and ZnO-LCP (La/Pr doped CeO2) electrolytes are respectively sandwiched between two Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05Li-oxide (NCAL) electrodes to construct fuel cell devices. The assembled ZnO fuel cell demonstrates encouraging power outputs of 158–482 mW cm−2 and high open circuit voltages (OCVs) of 1–1.06 V at 450–550 °C, while the ZnO-LCP cell delivers significantly enhanced performance with maximum power density of 864 mW cm−2 and OCV of 1.07 V at 550 °C. The conductive properties of the materials are investigated. As a consequence, the ZnO electrolyte and ZnO-LCP composite exhibit extraordinary ionic conductivities of 0.09 and 0.156 S cm−1 at 550 °C, respectively, and the proton conductive behavior of ZnO is verified. Furthermore, performance enhancement of the ZnO-LCP cell is studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which is found to be as a result of the significantly reduced grain boundary and electrode polarization resistances. These findings indicate that ZnO is a highly promising alternative semiconducting-ionic membrane to replace the electrolyte materials for advanced LT-SOFCs, which in turn provides a new strategic pathway for the future development of electrolytes. PMID:29283395

Low temperature solid oxide electrolytes (LT-SOE): A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, B.; Ghosh, S.; Aich, S.; Roy, B.

2017-01-01

Low temperature solid oxide fuel cell (LT-SOFC) can be a source of power for vehicles, online grid, and at the same time reduce system cost, offer high reliability, and fast start-up. A huge amount of research work, as evident from the literature has been conducted for the enhancement of the ionic conductivity of LT electrolytes in the last few years. The basic conduction mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages of different LT oxide ion conducting electrolytes {BIMEVOX systems, bilayer systems including doped cerium oxide/stabilised bismuth oxide and YSZ/DCO}, mixed ion conducting electrolytes {doped cerium oxides/alkali metal carbonate composites}, and proton conducting electrolytes {doped and undoped BaCeO3, BaZrO3, etc.} are discussed here based on the recent research articles. Effect of various material aspects (composition, doping, layer thickness, etc.), fabrication methods (to achieve different microstructures and particle size), design related strategies (interlayer, sintering aid etc.), characterization temperature & environment on the conductivity of the electrolytes and performance of the fuel cells made from these electrolytes are shown in tabular form and discussed. The conductivity of the electrolytes and performance of the corresponding fuel cells are compared. Other applications of the electrolytes are mentioned. A few considerations regarding the future prospects are pointed.

Non-isothermal two-phase transport in the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell microporous layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Nan

This thesis investigates the water transport mechanisms in the crack-free microporous layer (MPL) of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Synchrotron X-ray radiography was used to visualize and quantify the in situ liquid water in the gas diffusion layers (GDLs) of an operating fuel cell. A methodology was developed to correct the artefact of imaging sample movement. Furthermore, to address inaccuracies due to the scattering effect and higher harmonics at the synchrotron beamline, a calibration technique was introduced in order to experimentally determine the liquid water X-ray attenuation coefficient. Through in situ radiography, liquid water breakthrough events were observed in the MPL, and measured water thicknesses were used as inputs into a one-dimensional (1D) heat and mass transport model. The 1D model was used to describe the coupled relationship between liquid and vapour transport through the cathode MPL and the temperature distributions in the operating fuel cell.

X-ray and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Diagnostic Investigations of Liquid Water in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Gas Diffusion Layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antonacci, Patrick

In this thesis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and synchrotron x-ray radiography were utilized to characterize the impact of liquid water distributions in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) gas diffusion layers (GDLs) on fuel cell performance. These diagnostic techniques were used to quantify the effects of liquid water visualized on equivalent resistances measured through EIS. The effects of varying the thickness of the microporous layer (MPL) of GDLs were studied using these diagnostic techniques. In a first study on the feasibility of this methodology, two fuel cell cases with a 100 microm-thick and a 150 microm-thick MPL were compared under constant current density operation. In a second study with 10, 30, 50, and 100 microm-thick MPLs, the liquid water in the cathode substrate was demonstrated to affect mass transport resistance, while the liquid water content in the anode (from back diffusion) affected membrane hydration, evidenced through ohmic resistance measurements.

Chemically durable polymer electrolytes for solid-state alkaline water electrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Eun Joo; Capuano, Christopher B.; Ayers, Katherine E.; Bae, Chulsung

2018-01-01

Generation of high purity hydrogen using electrochemical splitting of water is one of the most promising methods for sustainable fuel production. The materials to be used as solid-state electrolytes for alkaline water electrolyzer require high thermochemical stability against hydroxide ion attack in alkaline environment during the operation of electrolysis. In this study, two quaternary ammonium-tethered aromatic polymers were synthesized and investigated for anion exchange membrane (AEM)-based alkaline water electrolyzer. The membranes properties including ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, swelling degree, and anion conductivity were studied. The membranes composed of all C-C bond polymer backbones and flexible side chain terminated by cation head groups exhibited remarkably good chemical stability by maintaining structural integrity in 1 M NaOH solution at 95 °C for 60 days. Initial electrochemical performance and steady-state operation performance were evaluated, and both membranes showed a good stabilization of the cell voltage during the steady-state operation at the constant current density at 200 mA/cm2. Although both membranes in current form require improvement in mechanical stability to afford better durability in electrolysis operation, the next generation AEMs based on this report could lead to potentially viable AEM candidates which can provide high electrolysis performance under alkaline operating condition.

Polymer and Composite Membranes for Proton-Conducting, High-Temperature Fuel Cells: A Critical Review

PubMed Central

Quartarone, Eliana; Angioni, Simone; Mustarelli, Piercarlo

2017-01-01

Polymer fuel cells operating above 100 °C (High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells, HT-PEMFCs) have gained large interest for their application to automobiles. The HT-PEMFC devices are typically made of membranes with poly(benzimidazoles), although other polymers, such as sulphonated poly(ether ether ketones) and pyridine-based materials have been reported. In this critical review, we address the state-of-the-art of membrane fabrication and their properties. A large number of papers of uneven quality has appeared in the literature during the last few years, so this review is limited to works that are judged as significant. Emphasis is put on proton transport and the physico-chemical mechanisms of proton conductivity. PMID:28773045

Polymer and Composite Membranes for Proton-Conducting, High-Temperature Fuel Cells: A Critical Review.

PubMed

Quartarone, Eliana; Angioni, Simone; Mustarelli, Piercarlo

2017-06-22

Polymer fuel cells operating above 100 °C (High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells, HT-PEMFCs) have gained large interest for their application to automobiles. The HT-PEMFC devices are typically made of membranes with poly(benzimidazoles), although other polymers, such as sulphonated poly(ether ether ketones) and pyridine-based materials have been reported. In this critical review, we address the state-of-the-art of membrane fabrication and their properties. A large number of papers of uneven quality has appeared in the literature during the last few years, so this review is limited to works that are judged as significant. Emphasis is put on proton transport and the physico-chemical mechanisms of proton conductivity.

Optimal control of fuel overpressure in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with hydrogen transfer leak during load change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebadighajari, Alireza; DeVaal, Jake; Golnaraghi, Farid

2017-02-01

Formation of membrane pinholes is a common defect in fuel cells, inflicting more cost and making less durable cells. This work focuses on mitigating this issue, and offers a continuous online treatment instead of attempting to dynamically model the hydrogen transfer leak rate. This is achieved by controlling the differential pressure between the anode and cathode compartments at the inlet side of the fuel cell stack, known as the fuel overpressure. The model predictive control approach is used to attain the objectives in a Ballard 9-cell Mk1100 polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with inclusion of hydrogen transfer leak. Furthermore, the pneumatic modeling technique is used to model the entire anode side of a fuel cell station. The hydrogen transfer leak is embedded in the model in a novel way, and is considered as a disturbance during the controller design. Experimental results for different sizes of hydrogen transfer leaks are provided to show the benefits of fuel overpressure control system in alleviating the effects of membrane pinholes, which in turn increases membrane longevity, and reduces hydrogen emissions in the eventual presence of transfer leaks. Moreover, the model predictive controller provides an optimal control input while satisfying the problem constraints.

Electrical contact structures for solid oxide electrolyte fuel cell

DOEpatents

Isenberg, Arnold O.

1984-01-01

An improved electrical output connection means is provided for a high temperature solid oxide electrolyte type fuel cell generator. The electrical connection of the fuel cell electrodes to the electrical output bus, which is brought through the generator housing to be connected to an electrical load line maintains a highly uniform temperature distribution. The electrical connection means includes an electrode bus which is spaced parallel to the output bus with a plurality of symmetrically spaced transversely extending conductors extending between the electrode bus and the output bus, with thermal insulation means provided about the transverse conductors between the spaced apart buses. Single or plural stages of the insulated transversely extending conductors can be provided within the high temperatures regions of the fuel cell generator to provide highly homogeneous temperature distribution over the contacting surfaces.

Emission Measurements of Ultracell XX25 Reformed Methanol Fuel Cell System

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-01

combination of electrochemical devices such as fuel cell and battery. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells ( PEMFC ) using hydrogen or liquid...communications and computers, sensors and night vision capabilities. High temperature PEMFC offers some advantages such as enhanced electrode kinetics and better...tolerance of carbon monoxide that will poison the conventional PEMFC . Ultracell Corporation, Livermore, California has developed a first

Solid oxide fuel cell having monolithic core

DOEpatents

Ackerman, John P.; Young, John E.

1984-01-01

A solid oxide fuel cell for electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant for generating galvanic output, wherein the cell core has an array of electrolyte and interconnect walls that are substantially devoid of any composite inert materials for support. Instead, the core is monolithic, where each electrolyte wall consists of thin layers of cathode and anode materials sandwiching a thin layer of electrolyte material therebetween, and each interconnect wall consists of thin layers of the cathode and anode materials sandwiching a thin layer of interconnect material therebetween. The electrolyte walls are arranged and backfolded between adjacent interconnect walls operable to define a plurality of core passageways alternately arranged where the inside faces thereof have only the anode material or only the cathode material exposed. Means direct the fuel to the anode-exposed core passageways and means direct the oxidant to the cathode-exposed core passageway; and means also direct the galvanic output to an exterior circuit. Each layer of the electrolyte and interconnect materials is of the order of 0.002-0.01 cm thick; and each layer of the cathode and anode materials is of the order of 0.002-0.05 cm thick.

Double interconnection fuel cell array

DOEpatents

Draper, R.; Zymboly, G.E.

1993-12-28

A fuel cell array is made, containing number of tubular, elongated fuel cells which are placed next to each other in rows (A, B, C, D), where each cell contains inner electrodes and outer electrodes, with solid electrolyte between the electrodes, where the electrolyte and outer electrode are discontinuous, having two portions, and providing at least two opposed discontinuities which contain at least two oppositely opposed interconnections contacting the inner electrode, each cell having only three metallic felt electrical connectors which contact surrounding cells, where each row is electrically connected to the other. 5 figures.

Dynamic NMR studies of polymer electrolyte materials for application to lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalfan, Amish N.

This dissertation investigates the structural and dynamical properties of polymer electrolyte materials for applications to lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique was used to characterize these materials. NMR aids in understanding the local environments of nuclei and the mobility of a molecular/ionic species. Five research projects were carried out, and they have been outlined in this work. NASA has developed rod-coil block copolymers for use as electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. The copolymers exhibit a microphase separation within their structure leading to the formation of ionically conducting channels. We studied ion transport properties of the copolymers, and determined the predominant mechanism for transport to occur in the amorphous phase. Seven gel polymer electrolytes, each containing a mixture of LiBETI salt and organic solvents, were studied. Two of them incorporated BMI (1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) ionic liquid. Ionic liquids are room temperature molten salts. BMI had been thought to enhance ion mobility. However, the BMI component was observed to restrict ion mobility. Gel polymer electrolytes containing LiTFSI salt and P13TFSI ionic liquid with or without the inclusion of ethylene carbonate (EC) were studied for application to lithium metal/air batteries, which have high theoretical energy densities. The addition of EC was found to improve lithium ion transport. The gels with EC therefore prove to be favorable for use as electrolytes in lithium metal/air batteries. Highly sulfonated poly(arylenethioethersulfone) (SPTES) membranes were examined for use in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) as an alternative to the Nafion membrane. DMFCs use methanol as a fuel instead of reformed hydrogen as in conventional proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Compared to Nafion, the SPTES membranes were shown to retain water better at high temperatures and yield lower methanol diffusion. SPTES membranes with the addition of fluorine groups (6F-SPTES) were also studied, and these membranes had been thought to show an improvement in water transport properties over SPTES. However, water diffusion studies of the 6F-SPTES membranes revealed the fluorinated membranes to be unfavorable. The morphology of the FSPTES is suspected to be more susceptible to the loss of bound water at higher temperatures than SPTES.

Monoclinic Sr(1-x)Na(x)SiO(3-0.5x): new superior oxide ion electrolytes.

PubMed

Singh, Preetam; Goodenough, John B

2013-07-10

Oxide ion electrolytes determine the temperature of operation of solid oxide fuel cells, oxygen separation membranes, and oxygen sensors. There is a strong incentive to lower their operating temperatures, in a solid oxide fuel cell, for example, from Top > 800 °C to Top ≈ 500 °C. The use of low-cost Na(+) rather than K(+) as the dopant in monoclinic SrSiO3 (C12/C1) is shown to provide a larger solid solution range (0 < x ≤ 0.45) in Sr1-xNaxSiO3-0.5x and to achieve an oxide ion conductivity σo ≥ 10(-2) S·cm(-1) by 525 °C as a result of lowering the temperature of a smooth transition to full disorder of the mobile oxide ions. The Sr1-xNaxSiO3-0.5x electrolytes are much less hygroscopic than Sr1-xKxSiO3-0.5x and are stable with a nickel composite anode in 5% H2/Ar as well as with cathodes such as La1-xSrxMnO3-δ and Sr0.7Y0.3CoO3-δ in air, which makes them candidate electrolytes for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells or for other applications of oxide ion electrolytes.

High Performance Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Rechargeable Batteries: A Self-Catalyzed Strategy toward Facile Synthesis.

PubMed

Cui, Yanyan; Liang, Xinmiao; Chai, Jingchao; Cui, Zili; Wang, Qinglei; He, Weisheng; Liu, Xiaochen; Liu, Zhihong; Cui, Guanglei; Feng, Jiwen

2017-11-01

It is urgent to seek high performance solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) via a facile chemistry and simple process. The lithium salts are composed of complex anions that are stabilized by a Lewis acid agent. This Lewis acid can initiate the ring opening polymerization. Herein, a self-catalyzed strategy toward facile synthesis of crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether-based solid polymer electrolyte (C-PEGDE) is presented. It is manifested that the poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether-based solid polymer electrolyte possesses a superior electrochemical stability window up to 4.5 V versus Li/Li + and considerable ionic conductivity of 8.9 × 10 -5 S cm -1 at ambient temperature. Moreover, the LiFePO 4 /C-PEGDE/Li batteries deliver stable charge/discharge profiles and considerable rate capability. It is demonstrated that this self-catalyzed strategy can be a very effective approach for high performance solid polymer electrolytes.

Effective Infiltration of Gel Polymer Electrolyte into Silicon-Coated Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanofibers as Anodes for Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Pandey, Gaind P; Klankowski, Steven A; Li, Yonghui; Sun, Xiuzhi Susan; Wu, Judy; Rojeski, Ronald A; Li, Jun

2015-09-23

This study demonstrates the full infiltration of gel polymer electrolyte into silicon-coated vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (Si-VACNFs), a high-capacity 3D nanostructured anode, and the electrochemical characterization of its properties as an effective electrolyte/separator for future all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries. Two fabrication methods have been employed to form a stable interface between the gel polymer electrolyte and the Si-VACNF anode. In the first method, the drop-casted gel polymer electrolyte is able to fully infiltrate into the open space between the vertically aligned core-shell nanofibers and encapsulate/stabilize each individual nanofiber in the polymer matrix. The 3D nanostructured Si-VACNF anode shows a very high capacity of 3450 mAh g(-1) at C/10.5 (or 0.36 A g(-1)) rate and 1732 mAh g(-1) at 1C (or 3.8 A g(-1)) rate. In the second method, a preformed gel electrolyte film is sandwiched between an Si-VACNF electrode and a Li foil to form a half-cell. Most of the vertical core-shell nanofibers of the Si-VACNF anode are able to penetrate into the gel polymer film while retaining their structural integrity. The slightly lower capacity of 2800 mAh g(-1) at C/11 rate and ∼1070 mAh g(-1) at C/1.5 (or 2.6 A g(-1)) rate have been obtained, with almost no capacity fade for up to 100 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy does not show noticeable changes after 110 cycles, further revealing the stable interface between the gel polymer electrolyte and the Si-VACNFs anode. These results show that the infiltrated flexible gel polymer electrolyte can effectively accommodate the stress/strain of the Si shell due to the large volume expansion/contraction during the charge-discharge processes, which is particularly useful for developing future flexible solid-state lithium-ion batteries incorporating Si-anodes.

Effect of Nitrogen Post-Doping on a Commercial Platinum-Ruthenium/Carbon Anode Catalyst

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-15

polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells ( PEMFCs ) closer to commercial viability. However, further improvements in fuel cell durability, particularly...have recently led to significant improvements [3e5]. The genesis of interest in modified carbon support materials for PEMFCs and DMFCs originated in

Composite electrolytes of polyethylene oxides/garnets interfacially wetted by ionic liquid for room-temperature solid-state lithium battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huo, Hanyu; Zhao, Ning; Sun, Jiyang; Du, Fuming; Li, Yiqiu; Guo, Xiangxin

2017-12-01

Paramount attention has been paid on solid polymer electrolytes due to their potential in enhancement of energy density as well as improvement of safety. Herein, the composite electrolytes consisting of Li-salt-free polyethylene oxides and 200 nm-sized Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 particles interfacially wetted by [BMIM]TF2N of 1.8 μL cm-2 have been prepared. Such wetted ionic liquid remains the solid state of membrane electrolytes and decreases the interface impedance between the electrodes and the electrolytes. There is no release of the liquid phase from the PEO matrix when the pressure of 5.0 × 104 Pa being applied for 24 h. The interfacially wetted membrane electrolytes show the conductivity of 2.2 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 20 °C, which is one order of magnitude greater than that of the membranes without the wetted ionic liquids. The conduction mechanism is related to a large number of lithium ions releasing from Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 particles and the improved conductive paths along the ion-liquid-wetted interfaces between the polymer matrix and ceramic grains. When the membranes being used in the solid-state LiFePO4/Li and LiFe0.15Mn0.85PO4/Li cells at 25 °C, the excellent rate capability and superior cycle stability has been shown. The results provide a new prospect for solid polymer electrolytes used for room-temperature solid-state lithium batteries.

Solid oxide fuel cell having compound cross flow gas patterns

DOEpatents

Fraioli, A.V.

1983-10-12

A core construction for a fuel cell is disclosed having both parallel and cross flow passageways for the fuel and the oxidant gases. Each core passageway is defined by electrolyte and interconnect walls. Each electrolyte wall consists of cathode and anode materials sandwiching an electrolyte material. Each interconnect wall is formed as a sheet of inert support material having therein spaced small plugs of interconnect material, where cathode and anode materials are formed as layers on opposite sides of each sheet and are electrically connected together by the interconnect material plugs. Each interconnect wall in a wavy shape is connected along spaced generally parallel line-like contact areas between corresponding spaced pairs of generally parallel electrolyte walls, operable to define one tier of generally parallel flow passageways for the fuel and oxidant gases. Alternate tiers are arranged to have the passageways disposed normal to one another. Solid mechanical connection of the interconnect walls of adjacent tiers to the opposite sides of the common electrolyte wall therebetween is only at spaced point-like contact areas, 90 where the previously mentioned line-like contact areas cross one another.

Solid oxide fuel cell having compound cross flow gas patterns

DOEpatents

Fraioli, Anthony V.

1985-01-01

A core construction for a fuel cell is disclosed having both parallel and cross flow passageways for the fuel and the oxidant gases. Each core passageway is defined by electrolyte and interconnect walls. Each electrolyte wall consists of cathode and anode materials sandwiching an electrolyte material. Each interconnect wall is formed as a sheet of inert support material having therein spaced small plugs of interconnect material, where cathode and anode materials are formed as layers on opposite sides of each sheet and are electrically connected together by the interconnect material plugs. Each interconnect wall in a wavy shape is connected along spaced generally parallel line-like contact areas between corresponding spaced pairs of generally parallel electrolyte walls, operable to define one tier of generally parallel flow passageways for the fuel and oxidant gases. Alternate tiers are arranged to have the passageways disposed normal to one another. Solid mechanical connection of the interconnect walls of adjacent tiers to the opposite sides of the common electrolyte wall therebetween is only at spaced point-like contact areas, 90 where the previously mentioned line-like contact areas cross one another.

Study on Self-start up of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Stack at Subzero Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shirato, Hiroyasu; Hoshina, Hideo; Yamakoshi, Yukiyasu; Tomita, Kazuhiko; Oka, Yoshiaki

This paper aims to boot up polymer electrolyte fuel cells at subzero temperature without energy from outside and compass the conditions. Visualization tests of water drainage and voltage-current density characteristics provided the selection of a serpentine type as a channel of a fuel cell separator for cold region. The successful start-up of the cell at subzero temperature requires suitable current densities corresponding to the ambient temperature since the lower the temperature is, the lower the cell voltage soon after the start-up is. Suitable amount of exhausted energy is also necessary for the successful self start-up. Humidification using potassium acetate 30 mass% solution provides increased impedance of the cell and inhibits the water freezing owing to its dispersal to the electrode compared to no humidification. A stack laminated 25 sheets of the serpentine type separators enables stabilized power generation at normal temperature. The stack is also bootable with no energy from outside at 263K.

New Materials for Biological Fuel Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-01

polymer electrolyte membrane ( PEM ), to the membrane-less biological fuel cell (center figure) where the two electrodes are submerged in the same... PEM . MT15_4p166_173.indd 171 4/10/2012 3:46:31 PM REVIEW New materials for biological fuel cells APRIL 2012 | VOLUME 15 | NUMBER 4172 These...ISSN:1369 7021 © Elsevier Ltd 2012APRIL 2012 | VOLUME 15 | NUMBER 4166 New materials for biological fuel cells Over the last decade, there has

Tape method of forming a thin layer of doped lanthanum chromite particles and of bonding such on an electrode

DOEpatents

Richards, Von L.; Singhal, Subhash C.; Pal, Uday B.

1992-01-01

A combustible polymer film, useful for application of an interconnection on an electrode is made by: (1) providing doped LaCro.sub.3 particles; (2) dispersing doped LaCrO.sub.3 particles in a solvent, to provide a dispersion; (3) screening the dispersion to provide particles in the range of from 30 micrometers to 80 micrometers; (4) admixing a fugitive polymer with the particles; (5) casting the dispersion to provide a film; (6) drying the film; and (7) stripping the film. The film can then be applied to a porous, preheated electrode top surface, and then electrochemical vapor depositing a dense skeletal LaCrO.sub.3 structure, between and around the doped LaCrO.sub.3 particles. Additional solid oxide electrolyte and fuel electrode layers can then be added to provide a fuel cell.

Tape method of forming a thin layer of doped lanthanum chromite particles and of bonding such on an electrode

DOEpatents

Richards, V.L.; Singhal, S.C.; Pal, U.B.

1992-07-21

A combustible polymer film, useful for application of an interconnection on an electrode is made by: (1) providing doped LaCro[sub 3] particles; (2) dispersing doped LaCrO[sub 3] particles in a solvent, to provide a dispersion; (3) screening the dispersion to provide particles in the range of from 30 micrometers to 80 micrometers; (4) admixing a fugitive polymer with the particles; (5) casting the dispersion to provide a film; (6) drying the film; and (7) stripping the film. The film can then be applied to a porous, preheated electrode top surface, and then a dense skeletal LaCrO[sub 3] structure is electrochemically vapor deposited between and around the doped LaCrO[sub 3] particles. Additional solid oxide electrolyte and fuel electrode layers can then be added to provide a fuel cell. 4 figs.

Solid oxide fuel cell with transitioned cross-section for improved anode gas management at the open end

DOEpatents

Zafred, Paolo R [Murrysville, PA; Draper, Robert [Pittsburgh, PA

2012-01-17

A solid oxide fuel cell (400) is made having a tubular, elongated, hollow, active section (445) which has a cross-section containing an air electrode (452) a fuel electrode (454) and solid oxide electrolyte (456) between them, where the fuel cell transitions into at least one inactive section (460) with a flattened parallel sided cross-section (462, 468) each cross-section having channels (472, 474, 476) in them which smoothly communicate with each other at an interface section (458).

Millimeter-wave irradiation heating for operation of doped CeO2 electrolyte-supported single solid oxide fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Che Abdullah, Salmie Suhana Binti; Teranishi, Takashi; Hayashi, Hidetaka; Kishimoto, Akira

2018-01-01

High operation temperature of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) results in high cell and operation cost, time consuming and fast cell degradation. Developing high performance SOFC that operates at lower temperature is required. Here we demonstrate 24 GHz microwave as a rapid heating source to replace conventional heating method for SOFC operation using 20 mol% Sm doped CeO2 electrolyte-supported single cell. The tested cell shows improvement of 62% in maximum power density at 630 °C under microwave heating. This improvement governs by bulk conductivity of the electrolyte. Investigation of ionic transference number reveals that the value is unchanged under microwave irradiation, confirming the charge carrier is dominated by oxygen ion species. This work shows a potential new concept of high performance as well as cost and energy effective SOFC.

Alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell performance using alkali-impregnated polyvinyl alcohol/functionalized carbon nano-tube solid electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chien-Yi; Lin, Jia-Shiun; Pan, Wen-Han; Shih, Chao-Ming; Liu, Ying-Ling; Lue, Shingjiang Jessie

2016-01-01

This study investigates the application of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/functionalized carbon nano-tubes (m-CNTs) composite in alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells (ADEFC). The m-CNTs are functionalized with PVA using the ozone mediation method, and the PVA composite containing the modified CNTs is prepared. Adding m-CNT into the PVA matrix enhances the alkaline uptake and the ionic conductivity of the KOH-doped electrolyte. Meanwhile, the m-CNT-containing membrane exhibited a lower swelling ratio and suppressed ethanol permeability compared to the pristine PVA film. The optimal condition for the ADEFC is determined to be under operation at an anode feed of 3 M ethanol in a 5 M KOH solution (at a flow rate of 5 cm3 min-1) with a cathode feed of moisturized oxygen (with a flow rate of 100 cm3 min-1) and the KOH-doped PVA/m-CNT electrolyte. We achieved a peak power density value of 65 mW cm-2 at 60 °C, which is the highest among the ADEFC literature data and several times higher than the proton-exchange direct ethanol fuel cells using sulfonated membrane electrolytes. Therefore, the KOH-doped PVA/m-CNT electrolyte is a suitable solid electrolyte for ADEFCs and has potential for commercialization in alkaline fuel cell applications.

Operando fuel cell spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kendrick, Ian Michael

The active state of a catalyst only exists during catalysis (1) provided the motivation for developing operando spectroscopic techniques. A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) was designed to interface with commercially available instruments for acquisition of infrared spectra of the catalytic surface of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) during normal operation. This technique has provided insight of the complex processes occurring at the electrode surface. Nafion, the solid electrolyte used in most modern-day polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), serves many purposes in fuel cell operation. However, there is little known of the interface between Nafion and the electrode surface. Previous studies of complex Stark tuning curves of carbon monoxide on the surface of a platinum electrode were attributed the co-adsorption of bisulfite ions originating from the 0.5M H2SO4 electrolyte used in the study(2). Similar tuning curves obtained on a fuel cell MEA despite the absence of supplemental electrolytes suggest the adsorption of Nafion onto platinum (3). The correlation of spectra obtained using attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (ATR) and polarization modulated IR reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) to a theoretical spectrum generated using density functional theory (DFT) lead to development of a model of Nafion and platinum interaction which identified participation of the SO3- and CF3 groups in Nafion adsorption. The use of ethanol as a fuel stream in proton exchange membrane fuel cells provides a promising alternative to methanol. Relative to methanol, ethanol has a greater energy density, lower toxicity and can be made from the fermentation of biomass(4). Operando IR spectroscopy was used to study the oxidation pathway of ethanol and Stark tuning behavior of carbon monoxide on Pt, Ru, and PtRu electrodes. Potential dependent products such as acetaldehyde, acetic acid and carbon monoxide are identified as well as previously unobserved peaks corresponding to adsorbed ethanol. A modification to the operando fuel cell design allowed for acquisition of Raman spectra. A confocal Raman microscope enabled characterization of the MEA through depth profiling. The potential dependent peaks of an Fe-N x/C catalyst were identified and compared to the theoretical spectra of the proposed active sites. It was determined that oxygen adsorbed onto iron/iron oxide carbon nanostructures were responsible for the experimentally obtained peaks. This finding was supported by additional Raman studies carried out on a catalyst with these active sites removed through peroxide treatments. 1 Topsoe, H., Developments in operando studies and in situ characterization of heterogeneous catalysts. Journal of Catalysis, 2003. 216(1-2): p. 155-164. 2 Stamenkovic, V., et al., Vibrational properties of CO at the Pt(111)-solution interface: the anomalous stark-tuning slope. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 2005. 109(2): p. 678-680. 3 Kendrick, I., et al., Elucidating the Ionomer-Electrified Metal Interface. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010. 132(49): p. 17611-17616. 4 Lamy, C. and Leger, J.M., FUEL-CELLS - APPLICATION TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES. Journal De Physique Iv, 1994. 4(C1): p. 253-281.

Anode material for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Belharouak, Ilias [Westmont, IL; Amine, Khalil [Downers Grove, IL

2012-01-31

Primary and secondary Li-ion and lithium-metal based electrochemical cell systems. The suppression of gas generation is achieved through the addition of an additive or additives to the electrolyte system of respective cell, or to the cell itself whether it be a liquid, a solid- or plasticized polymer electrolyte system. The gas suppression additives are primarily based on unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Anode material for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Belharouak, Ilias [Bolingbrook, IL; Amine, Khalil [Downers Grove, IL

2008-06-24

Primary and secondary Li-ion and lithium-metal based electrochemical cell system. The suppression of gas generation is achieved through the addition of an additive or additives to the electrolyte system of respective cell, or to the cell itself whether it be a liquid, a solid- or plastized polymer electrolyte system. The gas suppression additives are primarily based on unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Anode material for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Belharouak, Ilias [Bolingbrook, IL; Amine, Khalil [Oak Brook, IL

2011-04-05

Primary and secondary Li-ion and lithium-metal based electrochemical cell systems. The suppression of gas generation is achieved through the addition of an additive or additives to the electrolyte system of respective cell, or to the cell itself whether it be a liquid, a solid- or plasticized polymer electrolyte system. The gas suppression additives are primarily based on unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric analysis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells: comparison of in situ photoelectrochemical polymerization in aqueous micellar and organic media.

PubMed

Zhang, Jinbao; Ellis, Hanna; Yang, Lei; Johansson, Erik M J; Boschloo, Gerrit; Vlachopoulos, Nick; Hagfeldt, Anders; Bergquist, Jonas; Shevchenko, Denys

2015-04-07

Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (sDSCs) are devoid of such issues as electrolyte evaporation or leakage and electrode corrosion, which are typical for traditional liquid electrolyte-based DSCs. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is one of the most popular and efficient p-type conducting polymers that are used in sDSCs as a solid-state hole-transporting material. The most convenient way to deposit this insoluble polymer into the dye-sensitized mesoporous working electrode is in situ photoelectrochemical polymerization. Apparently, the structure and the physicochemical properties of the generated conducting polymer, which determine the photovoltaic performance of the corresponding solar cell, can be significantly affected by the preparation conditions. Therefore, a simple and fast analytical method that can reveal information on polymer chain length, possible chemical modifications, and impurities is strongly required for the rapid development of efficient solar energy-converting devices. In this contribution, we applied matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) for the analysis of PEDOT directly on sDSCs. It was found that the PEDOT generated in aqueous micellar medium possesses relatively shorter polymeric chains than the PEDOT deposited from an organic medium. Furthermore, the micellar electrolyte promotes a transformation of one of the thiophene terminal units to thiophenone. The introduction of a carbonyl group into the PEDOT molecule impedes the growth of the polymer chain and reduces the conductivity of the final polymer film. Both the simplicity of sample preparation (only application of the organic matrix onto the solar cell is needed) and the rapidity of analysis hold the promise of making MALDI MS an essential tool for the physicochemical characterization of conducting polymer-based sDSCs.

Multiplex lithography for multilevel multiscale architectures and its application to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Hyesung; Moon Kim, Sang; Sik Kang, Yun; Kim, Junsoo; Jang, Segeun; Kim, Minhyoung; Park, Hyunchul; Won Bang, Jung; Seo, Soonmin; Suh, Kahp-Yang; Sung, Yung-Eun; Choi, Mansoo

2015-09-01

The production of multiscale architectures is of significant interest in materials science, and the integration of those structures could provide a breakthrough for various applications. Here we report a simple yet versatile strategy that allows for the LEGO-like integrations of microscale membranes by quantitatively controlling the oxygen inhibition effects of ultraviolet-curable materials, leading to multilevel multiscale architectures. The spatial control of oxygen concentration induces different curing contrasts in a resin allowing the selective imprinting and bonding at different sides of a membrane, which enables LEGO-like integration together with the multiscale pattern formation. Utilizing the method, the multilevel multiscale Nafion membranes are prepared and applied to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. Our multiscale membrane fuel cell demonstrates significant enhancement of performance while ensuring mechanical robustness. The performance enhancement is caused by the combined effect of the decrease of membrane resistance and the increase of the electrochemical active surface area.

Nanostructure enhanced ionic transport in fullerene reinforced solid polymer electrolytes.

PubMed

Sun, Che-Nan; Zawodzinski, Thomas A; Tenhaeff, Wyatt E; Ren, Fei; Keum, Jong Kahk; Bi, Sheng; Li, Dawen; Ahn, Suk-Kyun; Hong, Kunlun; Rondinone, Adam J; Carrillo, Jan-Michael Y; Do, Changwoo; Sumpter, Bobby G; Chen, Jihua

2015-03-28

Solid polymer electrolytes, such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) based systems, have the potential to replace liquid electrolytes in secondary lithium batteries with flexible, safe, and mechanically robust designs. Previously reported PEO nanocomposite electrolytes routinely use metal oxide nanoparticles that are often 5-10 nm in diameter or larger. The mechanism of those oxide particle-based polymer nanocomposite electrolytes is under debate and the ion transport performance of these systems is still to be improved. Herein we report a 6-fold ion conductivity enhancement in PEO/lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI)-based solid electrolytes upon the addition of fullerene derivatives. The observed conductivity improvement correlates with nanometer-scale fullerene crystallite formation, reduced crystallinities of both the (PEO)6:LiTFSI phase and pure PEO, as well as a significantly larger PEO free volume. This improved performance is further interpreted by enhanced decoupling between ion transport and polymer segmental motion, as well as optimized permittivity and conductivity in bulk and grain boundaries. This study suggests that nanoparticle induced morphological changes, in a system with fullerene nanoparticles and no Lewis acidic sites, play critical roles in their ion conductivity enhancement. The marriage of fullerene derivatives and solid polymer electrolytes opens up significant opportunities in designing next-generation solid polymer electrolytes with improved performance.

Solid oxide fuel cells fueled with reducible oxides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chuang, Steven S.; Fan, Liang Shih

A direct-electrochemical-oxidation fuel cell for generating electrical energy includes a cathode provided with an electrochemical-reduction catalyst that promotes formation of oxygen ions from an oxygen-containing source at the cathode, a solid-state reduced metal, a solid-state anode provided with an electrochemical-oxidation catalyst that promotes direct electrochemical oxidation of the solid-state reduced metal in the presence of the oxygen ions to produce electrical energy, and an electrolyte disposed to transmit the oxygen ions from the cathode to the solid-state anode. A method of operating a solid oxide fuel cell includes providing a direct-electrochemical-oxidation fuel cell comprising a solid-state reduced metal, oxidizing themore » solid-state reduced metal in the presence of oxygen ions through direct-electrochemical-oxidation to obtain a solid-state reducible metal oxide, and reducing the solid-state reducible metal oxide to obtain the solid-state reduced metal.« less

Cobalt doped lanthanum chromite material suitable for high temperature use

DOEpatents

Ruka, Roswell J.

1986-01-01

A high temperature, solid electrolyte electrochemical cell, subject to thermal cycling temperatures of between about 25.degree. C. and about 1200.degree. C., capable of electronic interconnection to at least one other electrochemical cell and capable of operating in an environment containing oxygen and a fuel, is made; where the cell has a first and second electrode with solid electrolyte between them, where an improved interconnect material is applied along a portion of a supporting electrode; where the interconnect is made of a chemically modified lanthanum chromite, containing cobalt as the important additive, which interconnect allows for adjustment of the thermal expansion of the interconnect material to more nearly match that of other cell components, such as zirconia electrolyte, and is stable in oxygen containing atmospheres such as air and in fuel environments.

Organic-inorganic hybrid polymer electrolytes based on polyether diamine, alkoxysilane, and trichlorotriazine: Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saikia, Diganta; Wu, Cheng-Gang; Fang, Jason; Tsai, Li-Duan; Kao, Hsien-Ming

2014-12-01

A new type of highly conductive organic-inorganic hybrid polymer electrolytes has been synthesized by the reaction of poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol) bis(2-aminopropyl ether), 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine and alkoxysilane precursor 3-(glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, followed by doping of LiClO4. The 13C and 29Si solid-sate NMR results confirm the successful synthesis of the organic-inorganic hybrid structure. The solid hybrid electrolyte thus obtained exhibits a maximum ionic conductivity of 1.6 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 30 °C, which is the highest among the organic-inorganic hybrid electrolytes. The hybrid electrolytes are electrochemically stable up to 4.2 V. The prototype electrochromic device with such a solid hybrid electrolyte demonstrates a good coloration efficiency value of 183 cm2 C-1 with a cycle life over 200 cycles. For the lithium-ion battery test, the salt free solid hybrid membrane is swelled with a LiPF6-containing electrolyte solution to reach an acceptable ionic conductivity value of 6.5 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 30 °C. The battery cell carries an initial discharge capacity of 100 mAh g-1 at 0.2C-rate and a coulombic efficiency of about 95% up to 30 cycles without the sign of cell failure. The present organic-inorganic hybrid electrolytes hold promise for applications in electrochromic devices and lithium ion batteries.

Plasma sprayed ceria-containing interlayer

DOEpatents

Schmidt, Douglas S.; Folser, George R.

2006-01-10

A plasma sprayed ceria-containing interlayer is provided. The interlayer has particular application in connection with a solid oxide fuel cell used within a power generation system. The fuel cell advantageously comprises an air electrode, a plasma sprayed interlayer disposed on at least a portion of the air electrode, a plasma sprayed electrolyte disposed on at least a portion of the interlayer, and a fuel electrode applied on at least a portion of the electrolyte.

Compliant glass–polymer hybrid single ion-conducting electrolytes for lithium batteries

PubMed Central

Villaluenga, Irune; Wujcik, Kevin H.; Tong, Wei; Devaux, Didier; Wong, Dominica H. C.; DeSimone, Joseph M.; Balsara, Nitash P.

2016-01-01

Despite high ionic conductivities, current inorganic solid electrolytes cannot be used in lithium batteries because of a lack of compliance and adhesion to active particles in battery electrodes as they are discharged and charged. We have successfully developed a compliant, nonflammable, hybrid single ion-conducting electrolyte comprising inorganic sulfide glass particles covalently bonded to a perfluoropolyether polymer. The hybrid with 23 wt% perfluoropolyether exhibits low shear modulus relative to neat glass electrolytes, ionic conductivity of 10−4 S/cm at room temperature, a cation transference number close to unity, and an electrochemical stability window up to 5 V relative to Li+/Li. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicates that the hybrid electrolyte limits lithium polysulfide dissolution and is, thus, ideally suited for Li-S cells. Our work opens a previously unidentified route for developing compliant solid electrolytes that will address the challenges of lithium batteries. PMID:26699512

Compliant glass–polymer hybrid single ion-conducting electrolytes for lithium batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Villaluenga, Irune; Wujcik, Kevin H.; Tong, Wei

2015-12-22

Despite high ionic conductivities, current inorganic solid electrolytes cannot be used in lithium batteries because of a lack of compliance and adhesion to active particles in battery electrodes as they are discharged and charged. Here, we have successfully developed a compliant, nonflammable, hybrid single ion-conducting electrolyte comprising inorganic sulfide glass particles covalently bonded to a perfluoropolyether polymer. The hybrid with 23 wt% perfluoropolyether exhibits low shear modulus relative to neat glass electrolytes, ionic conductivity of 10 -4 S/cm at room temperature, a cation transference number close to unity, and an electrochemical stability window up to 5 V relative to Limore » +/Li. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicates that the hybrid electrolyte limits lithium polysulfide dissolution and is, thus, ideally suited for Li-S cells. Our work opens a previously unidentified route for developing compliant solid electrolytes that will address the challenges of lithium batteries.« less

Apparatus tube configuration and mounting for solid oxide fuel cells

DOEpatents

Zymboly, G.E.

1993-09-14

A generator apparatus is made containing long, hollow, tubular, fuel cells containing an inner air electrode, an outer fuel electrode, and solid electrolyte there between, placed between a fuel distribution board and a board which separates the combustion chamber from the generating chamber, where each fuel cell has an insertable open end and in insertable, plugged, closed end, the plugged end being inserted into the fuel distribution board and the open end being inserted through the separator board where the plug is completely within the fuel distribution board. 3 figures.

Process Developed for Fabricating Engineered Pore Structures for High- Fuel-Utilization Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sofie, Stephen W.; Cable, Thomas L.; Salamone, Sam M.

2005-01-01

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have tremendous commercial potential because of their high efficiency, high energy density, and flexible fuel capability (ability to use fossil fuels). The drive for high-power-utilizing, ultrathin electrolytes (less than 10 microns), has placed an increased demand on the anode to provide structural support, yet allow sufficient fuel entry for sustained power generation. Concentration polarization, a condition where the fuel demand exceeds the supply, is evident in all commercial-based anode-supported cells, and it presents a significant roadblock to SOFC commercialization.

Electrocatalysts for oxygen electrodes in fuel cells and water electrolyzers for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prakash, Jai; Tryk, Donald; Yeager, Ernest

1989-01-01

In most instances separate electrocatalysts are needed to promote the reduction of O2 in the fuel cell mode and to generate O2 in the energy storage-water electrolysis mode in aqueous electrochemical systems operating at low and moderate temperatures (T greater than or equal to 200 C). Interesting exceptions are the lead and bismuth ruthenate pyrochlores in alkaline electrolytes. These catalysts on high area carbon supports have high catalytic activity for both O2 reduction and generation (1,2). Rotating ring-disk electrode measurements provide evidence that the O2 reduction proceeds by a parallel four-electron pathway. The ruthenates can also be used as self-supported catalysts to avoid the problems associated with carbon oxidation, but the electrode performance so far achieved in the research at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is considerably less. At the potentials involved in the anodic mode the ruthenate pyrochlores have substantial equilibrium solubility in concentrated alkaline electrolyte. This results in the loss of catalyst into the bulk solution and a decline in catalytic activity. Furthermore, the hydrogen generation counter electrode may become contaminated with reduction products from the pyrochlores (lead, ruthenium). A possible approach to this problem is to immobilize the pyrochlore catalyst within an ionic-conducting solid polymer, which would replace the fluid electrolyte within the porous gas diffusion O2 electrode. For bulk alkaline electrolyte, an anion-exchange polymer is needed with a transference number close to unity for the Oh(-) ion. Preliminary short-term measurements with lead ruthenates using a commercially available partially-fluorinated anion-exchange membrane as an overlayer on the porous gas-fed electrode indicate lower anodic polarization and virtually unchanged cathodic polarization.

Multi-layer thin-film electrolytes for metal supported solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haydn, Markus; Ortner, Kai; Franco, Thomas; Uhlenbruck, Sven; Menzler, Norbert H.; Stöver, Detlev; Bräuer, Günter; Venskutonis, Andreas; Sigl, Lorenz S.; Buchkremer, Hans-Peter; Vaßen, Robert

2014-06-01

A key to the development of metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells (MSCs) is the manufacturing of gas-tight thin-film electrolytes, which separate the cathode from the anode. This paper focuses the electrolyte manufacturing on the basis of 8YSZ (8 mol.-% Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2). The electrolyte layers are applied by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) gas flow sputtering (GFS) process. The gas-tightness of the electrolyte is significantly improved when sequential oxidic and metallic thin-film multi-layers are deposited, which interrupt the columnar grain structure of single-layer electrolytes. Such electrolytes with two or eight oxide/metal layers and a total thickness of about 4 μm obtain leakage rates of less than 3 × 10-4 hPa dm3 s-1 cm-2 (Δp: 100 hPa) at room temperature and therefore fulfill the gas tightness requirements. They are also highly tolerant with respect to surface flaws and particulate impurities which can be present on the graded anode underground. MSC cell tests with double-layer and multilayer electrolytes feature high power densities more than 1.4 W cm-2 at 850 °C and underline the high potential of MSC cells.

Evaluation of the effect of reactant gases mass flow rates on power density in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahveci, E. E.; Taymaz, I.

2018-03-01

In this study it was experimentally investigated the effect of mass flow rates of reactant gases which is one of the most important operational parameters of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell on power density. The channel type is serpentine and single PEM fuel cell has an active area of 25 cm2. Design-Expert 8.0 (trial version) was used with four variables to investigate the effect of variables on the response using. Cell temperature, hydrogen mass flow rate, oxygen mass flow rate and humidification temperature were selected as independent variables. In addition, the power density was used as response to determine the combined effects of these variables. It was kept constant cell and humidification temperatures while changing mass flow rates of reactant gases. From the results an increase occurred in power density with increasing the hydrogen flow rates. But oxygen flow rate does not have a significant effect on power density within determined mass flow rates.

Gradient isolator for flow field of fuel cell assembly

DOEpatents

Ernst, W.D.

1999-06-15

Isolator(s) include isolating material and optionally gasketing material strategically positioned within a fuel cell assembly. The isolating material is disposed between a solid electrolyte and a metal flow field plate. Reactant fluid carried by flow field plate channel(s) forms a generally transverse electrochemical gradient. The isolator(s) serve to isolate electrochemically a portion of the flow field plate, for example, transversely outward from the channel(s), from the electrochemical gradient. Further, the isolator(s) serve to protect a portion of the solid electrolyte from metallic ions. 4 figs.

Gradient isolator for flow field of fuel cell assembly

DOEpatents

Ernst, William D.

1999-01-01

Isolator(s) include isolating material and optionally gasketing material strategically positioned within a fuel cell assembly. The isolating material is disposed between a solid electrolyte and a metal flow field plate. Reactant fluid carried by flow field plate channel(s) forms a generally transverse electrochemical gradient. The isolator(s) serve to isolate electrochemically a portion of the flow field plate, for example, transversely outward from the channel(s), from the electrochemical gradient. Further, the isolator(s) serve to protect a portion of the solid electrolyte from metallic ions.

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gottesfeld, S.

The recent increase in attention to polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC's) is the result of significant technical advances in this technology and the initiation of some projects for the demonstration of complete PEFC-based power system in a bus or in a passenger car. A PEFC powered vehicle has the potential for zero emission, high energy conversion efficiency and extended range compared to present day battery powered EV's. This paper describes recent achievements in R&D on PEFC's. The major thrust areas have been: (1) demonstration of membrane/electrode assemblies with stable high performance in life tests lasting 4000 hours, employing ultra-low Pt loadings corresponding to only 1/2 oz of Pt for the complete power source of a passenger car; (2) effective remedies for the high sensitivity of the Pt electrocatalyst to impurities in the fuel feed stream; and (3) comprehensive evaluation of the physicochemical properties of membrane and electrodes in the PEFC, clarifying the water management issues and enabling effective codes and diagnostics for this fuel cell.

Development of planar solid oxide fuel cells for power generation applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Minh, N.Q.

1996-04-01

Planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are presently being developed for a variety of electric power generation application. The planar design offers simple cell geometry, high power density, and multiple fabrication and gas manifolding options. Planar SOFC technology has received much attention recently, and significant progress has been made in this area. Recent effort at AlliedSignal has focused on the development of high-performance, lightweight planar SOFCs, having thin-electrolyte films, that can be operated efficiently at reduced temperatures (< 1000{degrees}C). The advantages of reduced-temperature operation include wider material choice (including use of metallic interconnects), expected longer cell life, reduced thermal stress,more » improved reliability, and reduced fuel cell cost. The key aspect in the development of thin-film SIFCs is to incorporate the thin electrolyte layer into the desired structure of cells in a manner that yields the required characteristics. AlliedSignal has developed a simple and cost-effective method based on tape calendering for the fabrication of thin-electrolyte SOFCs. Thin-electrolyte cells made by tape calendering have shown extraordinary performance, e.g., producing more than 500mW/cm{sup 2} at 700{degrees}C and 800mW/cm{sup 2} at 800{degrees}C with hydrogen as fuel and air is oxidant. thin-electrolyte single cells have been incorporated into a compliant metallic stack structure and operated at reduced and operated at reduced-temperature conditions.« less

Effect of proton-conduction in electrolyte on electric efficiency of multi-stage solid oxide fuel cells

PubMed Central

Matsuzaki, Yoshio; Tachikawa, Yuya; Somekawa, Takaaki; Hatae, Toru; Matsumoto, Hiroshige; Taniguchi, Shunsuke; Sasaki, Kazunari

2015-01-01

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising electrochemical devices that enable the highest fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiencies under high operating temperatures. The concept of multi-stage electrochemical oxidation using SOFCs has been proposed and studied over the past several decades for further improving the electrical efficiency. However, the improvement is limited by fuel dilution downstream of the fuel flow. Therefore, evolved technologies are required to achieve considerably higher electrical efficiencies. Here we present an innovative concept for a critically-high fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiency of up to 85% based on the lower heating value (LHV), in which a high-temperature multi-stage electrochemical oxidation is combined with a proton-conducting solid electrolyte. Switching a solid electrolyte material from a conventional oxide-ion conducting material to a proton-conducting material under the high-temperature multi-stage electrochemical oxidation mechanism has proven to be highly advantageous for the electrical efficiency. The DC efficiency of 85% (LHV) corresponds to a net AC efficiency of approximately 76% (LHV), where the net AC efficiency refers to the transmission-end AC efficiency. This evolved concept will yield a considerably higher efficiency with a much smaller generation capacity than the state-of-the-art several tens-of-MW-class most advanced combined cycle (MACC). PMID:26218470

Effect of proton-conduction in electrolyte on electric efficiency of multi-stage solid oxide fuel cells.

PubMed

Matsuzaki, Yoshio; Tachikawa, Yuya; Somekawa, Takaaki; Hatae, Toru; Matsumoto, Hiroshige; Taniguchi, Shunsuke; Sasaki, Kazunari

2015-07-28

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising electrochemical devices that enable the highest fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiencies under high operating temperatures. The concept of multi-stage electrochemical oxidation using SOFCs has been proposed and studied over the past several decades for further improving the electrical efficiency. However, the improvement is limited by fuel dilution downstream of the fuel flow. Therefore, evolved technologies are required to achieve considerably higher electrical efficiencies. Here we present an innovative concept for a critically-high fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiency of up to 85% based on the lower heating value (LHV), in which a high-temperature multi-stage electrochemical oxidation is combined with a proton-conducting solid electrolyte. Switching a solid electrolyte material from a conventional oxide-ion conducting material to a proton-conducting material under the high-temperature multi-stage electrochemical oxidation mechanism has proven to be highly advantageous for the electrical efficiency. The DC efficiency of 85% (LHV) corresponds to a net AC efficiency of approximately 76% (LHV), where the net AC efficiency refers to the transmission-end AC efficiency. This evolved concept will yield a considerably higher efficiency with a much smaller generation capacity than the state-of-the-art several tens-of-MW-class most advanced combined cycle (MACC).

Silicon micro-fabricated miniature polymer electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelley, Shawn Christopher

2000-10-01

The present thesis relates the design, fabrication, and testing of a unique type of silicon-based, miniature fuel cell. The fuel cell electrodes were constructed using standard silicon micro-fabrication techniques, and were used to construct miniature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) using NafionRTM. During testing, methanol and oxygen were the common reactants, but hydrogen and oxygen could be used as well. A novel form of an electrodeposited Pt:Ru alloy was developed for use as a methanol electrooxidation catalyst in the mini-PEFCs. An optimized mini-PEFC design was developed, tested, and compared with large PEFCs on the basis of performance. Mini-PEFC performance was equivalent to that of large PEFCs when scaled for active-area, but was limited by the function of the oxygen electrode. The rate of methanol crossover in a methanol/oxygen mini-PEFC was predicted using Fick's first law and the electrode chip feed-hole area. It was shown that the present mini-PEFC design could function as a fuel cell material test structure. Additionally, the mini-PEFCs were tested as two-cell stacks and as methanol sensors. The miniature, silicon-based PEFCs developed here successfully incorporate the essential aspects of a large PEFC in a smaller, simpler design.

An open circuit voltage equation enabling separation of cathode and anode polarization resistances of ceria electrolyte based solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yanxiang; Chen, Yu; Yan, Mufu

2017-07-01

The open circuit voltage (OCV) of solid oxide fuel cells is generally overestimated by the Nernst equation and the Wagner equation, due to the polarization losses at electrodes. Considering both the electronic conduction of electrolyte and the electrode polarization losses, we express the OCV as an implicit function of the characteristic oxygen pressure of electrolyte (p* [atm], at which the electronic and ionic conductivities are the same), and the relative polarization resistance of electrodes (rc = Rc/Ri and ra = Ra/Ri, where Ri/c/a [Ωcm2] denotes the ionic resistance of electrolyte, and the polarization resistances of cathode and anode, respectively). This equation approaches to the Wagner equation when the electrodes are highly active (rc and ra → 0), and approaches to the Nernst equation when the electrolyte is a purely ionic conductor (p* → 0). For the fuel cells whose OCV is well below the prediction of the Wagner equation, for example with thin doped ceria electrolyte, it is demonstrated that the combination of OCV and impedance spectroscopy measurements allows the determination of p*, Rc and Ra. This equation can serve as a simple yet powerful tool to study the internal losses in the cell under open circuit condition.

Passive approach for the improved dispersion of polyvinyl alcohol-based functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Nafion membranes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

PubMed

Abu Sayeed, M D; Talukdar, Krishan; Kim, Hee Jin; Park, Younjin; Gopalan, A I; Kim, Young Ho; Lee, Kwang-Pill; Choi, Sang-June

2014-12-01

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are regarded as ideal fillers for Nafion polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) for fuel cell applications. The highly aggregated properties of MWCNTs can be overcome by the successful cross-linking with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) into the MWCNTs/Nafion membrane. In this study, a series of nanocomposite membranes were fabricated with the PVA-influenced functionalized MWCNTs reinforced into the Nafion polymer matrix by a solution casting method. Several different PVA contents were blended to f-MWCNTs/Nafion nanocomposite membranes followed by successful cross-linking by annealing. The surface morphologies and the inner structures of the resulting PVA-MWCNTs/Nafion nanocomposite membranes were then observed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the dispersion of MWCNTs into the PVA/Nafion composite membranes. After that, the nanocomposite membranes were characterized by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) to observe the thermal enhancement caused by effective cross-linking between the f-MWCNTs with the composite polymer matrixes. Improved water uptake with reduced methanol uptake revealed the successful fabrication of PVA-blended f-MWCNTs/Nafion membranes. In addition, the ion exchange capacity (IEC) was evaluated for PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) applications.

Superprotonic solid acids: Structure, properties, and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boysen, Dane Andrew

In this work, the structure and properties of superprotonic MH nXO4-type solid acids (where M = monovalent cation, X = S, Se, P, As, and n = 1, 2) have been investigated and, for the first time, applied in fuel cell devices. Several MH nXO4-type solid acids are known to undergo a "superprotonic" solid-state phase transition upon heating, in which the proton conductivity increases by several orders of magnitude and takes on values of ˜10 -2O-1cm-1. The presence of superprotonic conductivity in fully hydrogen bonded solid acids, such as CsH2PO4, has long been disputed. In these investigations, through the use of pressure, the unequivocal identification of superprotonic behavior in both RbH2PO4 and CsH2PO 4 has been demonstrated, whereas for chemically analogous compounds with smaller cations, such as KH2PO4 and NaH2PO 4, superprotonic conductivity was notably absent. Such observations have led to the adoption of radius ratio rules, in an attempt to identify a critical ion size effect on the presence of superprotonic conductivity in solid acids. It has been found that, while ionic size does play a prominent role in the presence of superprotonic behavior in solid acids, equally important are the effects of ionic and hydrogen bonding. Next, the properties of superprotonic phase transition have been investigated from a thermodynamic standpoint. With contributions from this work, a formulation has been developed that accounts for the entropy resulting from both the disordering of both hydrogen bonds and oxy-anion librations in the superprotonic phase of solid acids. This formulation, fundamentally derived from Linus Pauling's entropy rules for ice, accurately accounts for the change in entropy through a superprotonic phase transition. Lastly, the first proof-of-priniciple fuel cells based upon solid acid electrolytes have been demonstrated. Initial results based upon a sulfate electrolyte, CsHSO4, demonstrated the viability of solid acids, but poor chemical stability under the highly reducing H2 gas environment of the fuel cell anode. Later experiments employing a CsH2PO4 electrolyte proved quite successful. The results of these solid acid-based fuel cell measurements suggest solid acids could serve as an alternative to current state-of-the-art fuel cell electrolytes.

Thin film battery/fuel cell power generating system. Final report of the continuation contract (Tasks 1-4), April 1, 1978-March 31, 1980

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1980-06-30

Research on the design, development, and testing of a high-temperature solid electrolyte (HTSOE) fuel cell is described in detail. Task 1 involves the development and refinement of fabrication processes for the porous support tube, fuel electrode, solid electrolyte, air electrode, and interconnection. Task 2 includes the life testing of cell components and the stack; task 3 involves the stack performance evaluation; task 4 includes demonstrating the reproducibility of 10 watt stacks. A cost, design and benefit study to evaluate the nature and worth of an industrial cogeneration application of the HTSOE fuel cell is underway. Here, promisng applications are nowmore » being considered, from which a single application has been selected as a basis for the study - an integrated aluminum production facility. (WHK)« less

Imidazolium-based Block Copolymers as Solid-State Separators for Alkaline Fuel Cells and Lithium Ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nykaza, Jacob Richard

In this study, polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) diblock copolymers were explored as solid-state polymer separators as an anion exchange membrane (AEM) for alkaline fuel cells AFCs and as a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) for lithium-ion batteries. Polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) block copolymers are a distinct set of block copolymers that combine the properties of both ionic liquids (e.g., high conductivity, high electrochemical stability) and block copolymers (e.g., self-assembly into various nanostructures), which provides the opportunity to design highly conductive robust solid-state electrolytes that can be tuned for various applications including AFCs and lithium-ion batteries via simple anion exchange. A series of bromide conducting PIL diblock copolymers with an undecyl alkyl side chain between the polymer backbone and the imidazolium moiety were first synthesized at various compositions comprising of a PIL component and a non-ionic component. Synthesis was achieved by post-functionalization from its non-ionic precursor PIL diblock copolymer, which was synthesized via the reverse addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) technique. This PIL diblock copolymer with long alkyl side chains resulted in flexible, transparent films with high mechanical strength and high bromide ion conductivity. The conductivity of the PIL diblock copolymer was three times higher than its analogous PIL homopolymer and an order of magnitude higher than a similar PIL diblock copolymer with shorter alkyl side chain length, which was due to the microphase separated morphology, more specifically, water/ion clusters within the PIL microdomains in the hydrated state. Due to the high conductivity and mechanical robustness of this novel PIL block copolymer, its application as both the ionomer and AEM in an AFC was investigated via anion exchange to hydroxide (OH-), where a maximum power density of 29.3 mW cm-1 (60 °C with H2/O2 at 25 psig (172 kPa) backpressure) was achieved. Rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments determined the interfacial resistance imposed during cell assembly between the AEM, catalyst, and ionomer was a factor in fuel cell performance. Further RDE studies investigated the electrochemical stability of the PIL block copolymer ionomer under applied potentials, where it was determined that potential cycling increased the degradation compared to constant voltage or open circuit voltage studies. The PIL diblock copolymer was then anion exchanged to the bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide (TFSI-) anion form and imbibed with a lithium salt and ionic liquid solution for use as a SPE in lithium-ion batteries resulting in a maximum discharge capacity of 112 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C with a Coulombic efficiency greater than 94% over 100 cycles. PIL block copolymers have promising mechanical properties and transport properties (i.e., ion conductivity) in both the hydrated (hydrophilic anions; Br-, OH-) and dry (hydrophobic anions; TFSI-) states resulting in highly conductive, chemically/thermally stable, and mechanically robust solid-state polymer separators for use as AEMs in AFCs and as SPEs in lithium-ion batteries.

A High-Energy-Density Potassium Battery with a Polymer-Gel Electrolyte and a Polyaniline Cathode.

PubMed

Gao, Hongcai; Xue, Leigang; Xin, Sen; Goodenough, John B

2018-05-04

A safe, rechargeable potassium battery of high energy density and excellent cycling stability has been developed. The anion component of the electrolyte salt is inserted into a polyaniline cathode upon charging and extracted from it during discharging while the K + ion of the KPF 6 salt is plated/stripped on the potassium-metal anode. The use of a p-type polymer cathode increases the cell voltage. By replacing the organic-liquid electrolyte in a glass-fiber separator with a polymer-gel electrolyte of cross-linked poly(methyl methacrylate), a dendrite-free potassium anode can be plated/stripped, and the electrode/electrolyte interface is stabilized. The potassium anode wets the polymer, and the cross-linked architecture provides small pores of adjustable sizes to stabilize a solid-electrolyte interphase formed at the anode/electrolyte interface. This alternative electrolyte/cathode strategy offers a promising new approach to low-cost potassium batteries for the stationary storage of electric power. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Method of making an air electrode material having controlled sinterability

DOEpatents

Vasilow, Theodore R.; Kuo, Lewis J. H.; Ruka, Roswell J.

1994-01-01

A tubular, porous ceramic electrode structure (3) is made from the sintered admixture of doped lanthanum manganite and an additive containing cerium where a solid electrolyte (4), substantially surrounds the air electrode, and a porous outer fuel electrode (7) substantially surrounds the electrolyte, to form a fuel cell (1).

Method of making an air electrode material having controlled sinterability

DOEpatents

Vasilow, T.R.; Kuo, L.J.H.; Ruka, R.J.

1994-08-30

A tubular, porous ceramic electrode structure is made from the sintered admixture of doped lanthanum manganite and an additive containing cerium where a solid electrolyte, substantially surrounds the air electrode, and a porous outer fuel electrode substantially surrounds the electrolyte, to form a fuel cell. 2 figs.

Local impact of humidification on degradation in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez, Daniel G.; Ruiu, Tiziana; Biswas, Indro; Schulze, Mathias; Helmly, Stefan; Friedrich, K. Andreas

2017-06-01

The water level in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) affects the durability as is seen from the degradation processes during operation a PEMFC with fully- and nonhumidified gas streams as analyzed using an in-situ segmented cell for local current density measurements during a 300 h test operating under constant conditions and using ex situ SEM/EDX and XPS post-test analysis of specific regions. The impact of the RH on spatial distribution of the degradation process results from different water distribution giving different chemical environments. Under nonhumidified gas streams, the cathode inlet region exhibits increased degradation, whereas with fully humidified gases the bottom of the cell had the higher performance losses. The degradation and the degree of reversibility produced by Pt dissolution, PTFE defluorination, and contaminants such as silicon (Si) and nickel (Ni) were locally evaluated.

Acid-doped polymer nanofiber framework: Three-dimensional proton conductive network for high-performance fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Manabu; Takeda, Yasushi; Wakiya, Takeru; Wakamoto, Yuta; Harigaya, Kaori; Ito, Tatsunori; Tarao, Takashi; Kawakami, Hiroyoshi

2017-02-01

High-performance polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) with excellent proton conductivity, gas barrier property, and membrane stability are desired for future fuel cells. Here we report the development of PEMs based on our proposed new concept "Nanofiber Framework (NfF)." The NfF composite membranes composed of phytic acid-doped polybenzimidazole nanofibers (PBINf) and Nafion matrix show higher proton conductivity than the recast-Nafion membrane without nanofibers. A series of analyses reveal the formation of three-dimensional network nanostructures to conduct protons and water effectively through acid-condensed layers at the interface of PBINf and Nafion matrix. In addition, the NfF composite membrane achieves high gas barrier property and distinguished membrane stability. The fuel cell performance by the NfF composite membrane, which enables ultra-thin membranes with their thickness less than 5 μm, is superior to that by the recast-Nafion membrane, especially at low relative humidity. Such NfF-based high-performance PEM will be accomplished not only by the Nafion matrix used in this study but also by other polymer electrolyte matrices for future PEFCs.

A survey of advanced battery systems for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Attia, Alan I.

1989-01-01

The results of a survey on advanced secondary battery systems for space applications are presented. The objectives were: to identify advanced battery systems capable of meeting the requirements of various types of space missions, with significant advantages over currently available batteries, to obtain an accurate estimate of the anticipated improvements of these advanced systems, and to obtain a consensus for the selection of systems most likely to yield the desired improvements. Few advanced systems are likely to exceed a specific energy of 150 Wh/kg and meet the additional requirements of safety and reliability within the next 15 years. The few that have this potential are: (1) regenerative fuel cells, both alkaline and solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) types for large power systems; (2) lithium-intercalatable cathodes, particularly the metal ozides intercalatable cathodes (MnO2 or CoO2), with applications limited to small spacecrafts requiring limited cycle life and low power levels; (3) lithium molten salt systems (e.g., LiAl-FeS2); and (4) Na/beta Alumina/Sulfur or metal chlorides cells. Likely technological advances that would enhance the performance of all the above systems are also identified, in particular: improved bifunctional oxygen electrodes; improved manufacturing technology for thin film lithium electrodes in combination with polymeric electrolytes; improved seals for the lithium molten salt cells; and improved ceramics for sodium/solid electrolyte cells.

Highly Flexible and Planar Supercapacitors Using Graphite Flakes/Polypyrrole in Polymer Lapping Film.

PubMed

Raj, C Justin; Kim, Byung Chul; Cho, Won-Je; Lee, Won-gil; Jung, Sang-Don; Kim, Yong Hee; Park, Sang Yeop; Yu, Kook Hyun

2015-06-24

Flexible supercapacitor electrodes have been fabricated by simple fabrication technique using graphite nanoflakes on polymer lapping films as flexible substrate. An additional thin layer of conducting polymer polypyrrole over the electrode improved the surface conductivity and exhibited excellent electrochemical performances. Such capacitor films showed better energy density and power density with a maximum capacitance value of 37 mF cm(-2) in a half cell configuration using 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte, 23 mF cm(-2) in full cell, and 6 mF cm(-2) as planar cell configuration using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solid state electrolyte. Moreover, the graphite nanoflakes/polypyrrole over polymer lapping film demonstrated good flexibility and cyclic stability.

High Performance Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Rechargeable Batteries: A Self‐Catalyzed Strategy toward Facile Synthesis

PubMed Central

Cui, Yanyan; Liang, Xinmiao; Chai, Jingchao; Cui, Zili; Wang, Qinglei; He, Weisheng; Liu, Xiaochen; Feng, Jiwen

2017-01-01

Abstract It is urgent to seek high performance solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) via a facile chemistry and simple process. The lithium salts are composed of complex anions that are stabilized by a Lewis acid agent. This Lewis acid can initiate the ring opening polymerization. Herein, a self‐catalyzed strategy toward facile synthesis of crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether‐based solid polymer electrolyte (C‐PEGDE) is presented. It is manifested that the poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether‐based solid polymer electrolyte possesses a superior electrochemical stability window up to 4.5 V versus Li/Li+ and considerable ionic conductivity of 8.9 × 10−5 S cm−1 at ambient temperature. Moreover, the LiFePO4/C‐PEGDE/Li batteries deliver stable charge/discharge profiles and considerable rate capability. It is demonstrated that this self‐catalyzed strategy can be a very effective approach for high performance solid polymer electrolytes. PMID:29201612

The NASA "PERS" Program: Solid Polymer Electrolyte Development for Advanced Lithium-Based Batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baldwin, Richard S.; Bennett, William R.

2007-01-01

In fiscal year 2000, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) established a collaborative effort to support the development of polymer-based, lithium-based cell chemistries and battery technologies to address the next generation of aerospace applications and mission needs. The ultimate objective of this development program, which was referred to as the Polymer Energy Rechargeable System (PERS), was to establish a world-class technology capability and U.S. leadership in polymer-based battery technology for aerospace applications. Programmatically, the PERS initiative exploited both interagency collaborations to address common technology and engineering issues and the active participation of academia and private industry. The initial program phases focused on R&D activities to address the critical technical issues and challenges at the cell level. Out of a total of 38 proposals received in response to a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) solicitation, 18 proposals (13 contracts and 5 grants) were selected for initial award to address these technical challenges. Brief summaries of technical approaches, results and accomplishments of the PERS Program development efforts are presented. With Agency support provided through FY 2004, the PERS Program efforts were concluded in 2005, as internal reorganizations and funding cuts resulted in shifting programmatic priorities within NASA. Technically, the PERS Program participants explored, to various degrees over the lifetime of the formal program, a variety of conceptual approaches for developing and demonstrating performance of a viable advanced solid polymer electrolyte possessing the desired attributes, as well as several participants addressing all components of an integrated cell configuration. Programmatically, the NASA PERS Program was very successful, even though the very challenging technical goals for achieving a viable solid polymer electrolyte material or the overall envisioned long-term, program objectives were not met due to funding reductions. The NASA PERS Program provided research opportunities and generated and disseminated a wealth of new scientific knowledge and technical competencies within the polymer electrolyte area.

Development and characterization of direct ethanol fuel cells using alkaline anion-exchange membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Peck Cheng

2009-08-01

Alkaline membrane fuel cell (AMFC) is a relatively new fuel cell technology that is generating considerable interests. It offers the electrocatalytic advantages of conventional alkaline fuel cells, and the manufacturing and cost advantages of solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells. This project was carried out to develop and characterize high performance membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for all-solid-state AMFCs. The primary fuel of interests is ethanol, but hydrogen was used in the development stages to facilitate the diagnostic and evaluation of the fuel cell performance. In the preliminary investigation, AMFC was assembled using off-the-shelf electrodes and anion-exchange membrane (AEM). It was found that the performance of AMFC operating on ethanol fuel was limited by a large high-frequency resistance (HFR) value. The advantage of using non-toxic ethanol fuel was also compromised by the need to add hydrazine and potassium hydroxide to the fuel blend. Subsequently, a high performance MEA was developed for an all-solid-state AMFC, in which liquid electrolyte or other additives were not required during the operation of the fuel cell. Ionomer was incorporated in the formulation of catalyst ink, and the catalyst ink was directly coated on the anion-exchange membrane (AEM). An ionomer content of 20 wt.% was found to be the optimum amount required in the catalyst layers. It was demonstrated that the AMFC generated a maximum power density of 365 mW/cm2 and 213 mW/cm 2 with the use of hydrogen/oxygen and hydrogen/pure air, respectively. The performance of the AMFC was also found to be influenced by exposure to carbon dioxide in the air. Hence, the CCMs were pre-treated in potassium hydroxide solution and pure oxygen was used to condition the fuel cell to maximize the power output from the AMFCs. Although satisfactory performance was demonstrated in the AMFC, its stability during cell operation remains a major issue. The poor stability was attributed to degradation of ionomer in the catalyst layers, especially at the catalyst/ionomer interfaces. Ethanol was also used as a fuel in the AMFC with newly developed MEAs. Wetproof gas diffusion layers (GDLs) was found to enhance mass transport in liquid-fed AMFC. With the use of 1M ethanol, the AMFC exhibited a maximum power density of 6.482 mW/cm2 and 3.380 mW/cm2 with pure oxygen and ambient air as oxidant, respectively. These maximum power density values are the highest reported to-date. However, significant work is still necessary in advancing the AMFC technology for direct alcohol fuel cell applications.

Solid electrolyte structure

DOEpatents

Fraioli, Anthony V.

1984-01-01

A solid electrolyte structure for fuel cells and other electrochemical devices providing oxygen ion transfer by a multiplicity of exposed internal surfaces made of a composition containing an oxide of a multivalent transition metal and forming small pore-like passages sized to permit oxygen ion transfer while limiting the transfer of oxygen gas.

Membrane electrode gasket assembly (MEGA) technology for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pozio, A.; Giorgi, L.; De Francesco, M.; Silva, R. F.; Lo Presti, R.; Danzi, A.

A new technology for the production of a membrane electrode gasket assembly (MEGA) for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is defined. The MEGA system was prepared by sealing a previously prepared membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in a moulded gasket. For this aim, a proprietary silicone based liquid mixture was injected directly into the MEA borders. Gaskets obtained in different shapes and hardness grades are stable in a wide temperature range. The MEGA technology shows several advantages with respect to traditional PEFCs stack assembling systems: effective membrane saving, reduced fabrication time, possibility of quality control and failed elements substitution. This technology was successfully tested at the ENEA laboratories and the results were acquired in laboratory scale, but industrial production appears to be simple and cheap.

Method for Making a Fuel Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cable, Thomas L. (Inventor); Setlock, John A. (Inventor); Farmer, Serene C. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

The invention is a novel solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack comprising individual bi-electrode supported fuel cells in which an electrolyte layer is supported between porous electrodes. The porous electrodes may be made from graded pore ceramic tape that has been created by the freeze cast method followed by freeze-drying. Each piece of graded pore tape later becomes a graded pore electrode scaffold that, subsequent to sintering, is made into either an anode or a cathode. The electrode scaffold comprising the anode includes a layer of liquid metal. The pores of the electrode scaffolds gradually increase in diameter as the layer extends away from the electrolyte layer. As a result of this diameter increase, any forces that would tend to pull the liquid metal away from the electrolyte are reduced while maintaining a diffusion path for the fuel. Advantageously, the fuel cell of the invention may utilize a hydrocarbon fuel without pre-processing to remove sulfur.

Fabrication of low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells with a nanothin protective layer by atomic layer deposition

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Anode aluminum oxide-supported thin-film fuel cells having a sub-500-nm-thick bilayered electrolyte comprising a gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) layer and an yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) layer were fabricated and electrochemically characterized in order to investigate the effect of the YSZ protective layer. The highly dense and thin YSZ layer acted as a blockage against electron and oxygen permeation between the anode and GDC electrolyte. Dense GDC and YSZ thin films were fabricated using radio frequency sputtering and atomic layer deposition techniques, respectively. The resulting bilayered thin-film fuel cell generated a significantly higher open circuit voltage of approximately 1.07 V compared with a thin-film fuel cell with a single-layered GDC electrolyte (approximately 0.3 V). PMID:23342963

Novel electrospun gas diffusion layers for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: Part I. Fabrication, morphological characterization, and in situ performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chevalier, S.; Lavielle, N.; Hatton, B. D.; Bazylak, A.

2017-06-01

In this first of a series of two papers, we report an in-depth analysis of the impact of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) structure on the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell performance through the use of custom GDLs fabricated in-house. Hydrophobic electrospun nanofibrous gas diffusion layers (eGDLs) are fabricated with controlled fibre diameter and alignment. The eGDLs are rendered hydrophobic through direct surface functionalization, and this molecular grafting is achieved in the absence of structural alteration. The fibre diameter, chemical composition, and electrical conductivity of the eGDL are characterized, and the impact of eGDL structure on fuel cell performance is analysed. We observe that the eGDL facilitates higher fuel cell power densities compared to a commercial GDL (Toray TGP-H-60) at highly humidified operating conditions. The ohmic resistance of the fuel cell is found to significantly increase with increasing inter-fiber distance. It is also observed that the addition of a hydrophobic treatment enhances membrane hydration, and fibres perpendicularly aligned to the channel direction may enhance the contact area between the catalyst layer and the GDL.

Novel carbon-ion fuel cells. Quarterly technical report No. 9, October 1, 1995--December 31, 1995

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cocks, F.H.

1995-12-31

This report presents research to develop an entirely new, fundamentally different class of fuel cell using a solid electrolyte that transports carbon ions. This fuel cell would use solid carbon dissolved in molten metal as a fuel reservoir and anode; expensive gaseous or liquid fuel would not be required. Thermodynamic factors favor a carbon-ion fuel cell over other fuel cell designs: a combination of enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy makes the reaction of solid carbon and oxygen very efficient, and the entropy change allows this efficiency to slightly increase at high temperatures. The high temperature exhaust of the fuelmore » cell would make it useful as a ``topping cycle``, to be followed by conventional steam turbine systems.« less

Towards the next generation of solid oxide fuel cells operating below 600 °c with chemically stable proton-conducting electrolytes.

PubMed

Fabbri, Emiliana; Bi, Lei; Pergolesi, Daniele; Traversa, Enrico

2012-01-10

The need for reducing the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operating temperature below 600 °C is imposed by cost reduction, which is essential for widespread SOFC use, but might also disclose new applications. To this aim, high-temperature proton-conducting (HTPC) oxides have gained widespread interest as electrolyte materials alternative to oxygen-ion conductors. This Progress Report describes recent developments in electrolyte, anode, and cathode materials for protonic SOFCs, addressing the issue of chemical stability, processability, and good power performance below 600 °C. Different fabrication methods are reported for anode-supported SOFCs, obtained using state-of-the-art, chemically stable proton-conducting electrolyte films. Recent findings show significant improvements in the power density output of cells based on doped barium zirconate electrolytes, pointing out towards the feasibility of the next generation of protonic SOFCs, including a good potential for the development of miniaturized SOFCs as portable power supplies. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cobalt doped lanthanum chromite material suitable for high temperature use

DOEpatents

Ruka, R.J.

1986-12-23

A high temperature, solid electrolyte electrochemical cell, subject to thermal cycling temperatures of between about 25 C and about 1,200 C, capable of electronic interconnection to at least one other electrochemical cell and capable of operating in an environment containing oxygen and a fuel, is made; where the cell has a first and second electrode with solid electrolyte between them, where an improved interconnect material is applied along a portion of a supporting electrode; where the interconnect is made of a chemically modified lanthanum chromite, containing cobalt as the important additive, which interconnect allows for adjustment of the thermal expansion of the interconnect material to more nearly match that of other cell components, such as zirconia electrolyte, and is stable in oxygen containing atmospheres such as air and in fuel environments. 2 figs.

Preparation and physical properties of (PVA)0.7(NaBr)0.3(H3PO4)xM solid acid membrane for phosphoric acid – Fuel cells

PubMed Central

Ahmad, F.; Sheha, E.

2012-01-01

A solid acid membranes based on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), sodium bromide (NaBr) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) were prepared by a solution casting method. The morphological, IR, electrical and optical properties of the (PVA)0.7(NaBr)0.3(H3PO4)xM solid acid membranes where x = 0.00, 0.85, 1.7, 3.4, 5.1 M were investigated. The variation of film morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. FTIR spectroscopy has been used to characterize the structure of polymer and confirms the complexation of phosphoric acid with host polymeric matrix. The temperature dependent nature of ionic conductivity and the impedance of the polymer electrolytes were determined along with the associated activation energy. The ionic conductivity at room temperature was found to be strongly depends on the H3PO4 concentration which it has been achieved to be of the order 4.3 × 10−3 S/cm at ambient temperature. Optical measurements showed a decrease in optical band gap and an increase in band tail width with the increase of phosphoric acid. The data shows that the (PVA)0.7(NaBr)0.3(H3PO4)xM solid acid membrane is promising for intermediate temperature phosphoric acid fuel cell applications. PMID:25685413

A study on optical properties of poly (ethylene oxide) based polymer electrolyte with different alkali metal iodides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, B. Narasimha; Suvarna, R. Padma

2016-05-01

Polymer electrolytes were prepared by adding poly (ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEGDME), TiO2 (nano filler), different alkali metal iodide salts RI (R+=Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+) and I2 into Acetonitrile gelated with Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO). Optical properties of poly (ethylene oxide) based polymer electrolytes were studied by FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques. FTIR spectrum reveals that the alkali metal cations were coordinated to ether oxygen of PEO. The optical absorption studies were made in the wavelength range 200-800 nm. It is observed that the optical absorption increases with increase in the radius of alkali metal cation. The optical band gap for allowed direct transitions was evaluated using Urbach-edges method. The optical properties such as optical band gap, refractive index and extinction coefficient were determined. The studied polymer materials are useful for solar cells, super capacitors, fuel cells, gas sensors etc.

Chitosan and alginate types of bio-membrane in fuel cell application: An overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaari, N.; Kamarudin, S. K.

2015-09-01

The major problems of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell technology that need to be highlighted are fuel crossovers (e.g., methanol or hydrogen leaking across fuel cell membranes), CO poisoning, low durability, and high cost. Chitosan and alginate-based biopolymer membranes have recently been used to solve these problems with promising results. Current research in biopolymer membrane materials and systems has focused on the following: 1) the development of novel and efficient biopolymer materials; and 2) increasing the processing capacity of membrane operations. Consequently, chitosan and alginate-based biopolymers seek to enhance fuel cell performance by improving proton conductivity, membrane durability, and reducing fuel crossover and electro-osmotic drag. There are four groups of chitosan-based membranes (categorized according to their reaction and preparation): self-cross-linked and salt-complexed chitosans, chitosan-based polymer blends, chitosan/inorganic filler composites, and chitosan/polymer composites. There are only three alginate-based membranes that have been synthesized for fuel cell application. This work aims to review the state-of-the-art in the growth of chitosan and alginate-based biopolymer membranes for fuel cell applications.

Higher Efficiency for Quasi-Solid State Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Under Low Light Irradiance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desilva, Ajith; Bandara, T. M. W. J.; Fernado, H. D. N. S.; Fernando, P. S. L.; Dissanayake, M. A. K. L.; Jayasundara, W. J. M. J. S. R.; Furlani, M.; Mellander, B.-E.

2014-03-01

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), lower cost solar energy conversion devices are alternative green energy source. The liquid based electrolyte DSSCs have higher efficiencies with many practical issues while the quasi-solid-state DSSCs resolve the key problems but efficiencies are relatively low. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based gel polymer electrolytes were fabricated as DSSCs by incorporating ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate plasticizers and tetrapropylammonium iodide salt. A thin layer of electrolyte was sandwiched between the TiO2 anode (sensitized with N719 dye) and the Pt counter electrode. The electrolyte had an ionic conductivity of 2.6 mS/cm at 25 degrees of Celsius. DSSCs incorporating this gel electrolyte revealed Vsc circuit, Jsc, fill factor (FF) and efficiency values of 0.71 V, 11.8 mA, 51 percent and 4.2 percent respectively under 1 sun irradiation. The efficiency of the cell increased with decreasing solar irradiance achieving up to 10 percent efficiency and 80 percent FF at low irradiance values. This work uncovers that quasi-solid state DSSCs can reach efficiencies close to that of liquid electrolytes based cells.

Advanced Vehicle system concepts. [nonpetroleum passenger transportation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hardy, K. S.; Langendoen, J. M.

1983-01-01

Various nonpetroleum vehicle system concepts for passenger vehicles in the 1990's are being considered as part of the Advanced Vehicle (AV) Assessment at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The vehicle system and subsystem performance requirements, the projected characteristics of mature subsystem candidates, and promising systems are presented. The system candidates include electric and hybrid vehicles powered by electricity with or without a nonpetroleum power source. The subsystem candidates include batteries (aqueous-mobile, flow, high-temperature, and metal-air), fuel cells (phosphoric acid, advanced acids, and solid polymer electrolyte), nonpetroleum heat engines, advanced dc and ac propulsion components, power-peaking devices, and transmissions.

Chalcogen catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cell

DOEpatents

Alonso-Vante, Nicolas [Buxerolles, FR; Zelenay, Piotr [Los Alamos, NM; Choi, Jong-Ho [Los Alamos, NM; Wieckowski, Andrzej [Champaign, IL; Cao, Dianxue [Urbana, IL

2009-09-15

A methanol-tolerant cathode catalyst and a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells that includes such a cathode catalyst. The cathode catalyst includes a support having at least one transition metal in elemental form and a chalcogen disposed on the support. Methods of making the cathode catalyst and membrane electrode assembly are also described.

Chalcogen catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cell

DOEpatents

Zelenay, Piotr; Choi, Jong-Ho; Alonso-Vante, Nicolas; Wieckowski, Andrzej; Cao, Dianxue

2010-08-24

A methanol-tolerant cathode catalyst and a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells that includes such a cathode catalyst. The cathode catalyst includes a support having at least one transition metal in elemental form and a chalcogen disposed on the support. Methods of making the cathode catalyst and membrane electrode assembly are also described.

Solid electrolytes

DOEpatents

Abraham, Kuzhikalail M.; Alamgir, Mohamed

1993-06-15

This invention pertains to Li ion (Li.sup.+) conductive solid polymer electrolytes composed of solvates of Li salts immobilized (encapsulated) in a solid organic polymer matrix. In particular, this invention relates to solid polymer electrolytes derived by immobilizing complexes (solvates) formed between a Li salt such as LiAsF.sub.6, LiCF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 or LiClO.sub.4 and a mixture of aprotic organic solvents having high dielectric constants such as ethylene carbonate (EC) (dielectric constant=89.6) and propylene carbonate (PC) (dielectric constant=64.4) in a polymer matrix such as polyacrylonitrile, poly(tetraethylene glycol diacrylate), or poly(vinyl pyrrolidinone).

Understanding cathode flooding and dry-out for water management in air breathing PEM fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paquin, Mathieu; Fréchette, Luc G.

An analysis of water management in air breathing small polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is presented. Comprehensive understanding of flooding and dry-out limiting phenomena is presented through a combination of analytical modeling and experimental investigations using a small PEMFC prototype. Configurations of the fuel cell with different heat and mass transfer properties are experimentally evaluated to assess the impact of thermal resistance and mass transport resistance on water balance. Manifestation of dry-out and flooding problems, as limiting phenomena, are explained through a ratio between these two resistances. Main conclusions are that decreasing the ratio between thermal and mass transport resistance under a certain point leads to flooding problems in air breathing PEMFC. Increasing this ratio leads to dry-out of the polymer electrolyte membrane. However, too high thermal resistance or too low mass transport resistance reduces the limiting current by pushing forward the dry-out problem. This work provides a framework to achieve the proper balance between thermal rejection and mass transport to optimize the maximum current density of free convection fuel cells.

A mathematical model for predicting the life of polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes subjected to hydration cycling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burlatsky, S. F.; Gummalla, M.; O'Neill, J.; Atrazhev, V. V.; Varyukhin, A. N.; Dmitriev, D. V.; Erikhman, N. S.

2012-10-01

Under typical Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) fuel cell operating conditions, part of the membrane electrode assembly is subjected to humidity cycling due to variation of inlet gas RH and/or flow rate. Cyclic membrane hydration/dehydration would cause cyclic swelling/shrinking of the unconstrained membrane. In a constrained membrane, it causes cyclic stress resulting in mechanical failure in the area adjacent to the gas inlet. A mathematical modeling framework for prediction of the lifetime of a PEMFC membrane subjected to hydration cycling is developed in this paper. The model predicts membrane lifetime as a function of RH cycling amplitude and membrane mechanical properties. The modeling framework consists of three model components: a fuel cell RH distribution model, a hydration/dehydration induced stress model that predicts stress distribution in the membrane, and a damage accrual model that predicts membrane lifetime. Short descriptions of the model components along with overall framework are presented in the paper. The model was used for lifetime prediction of a GORE-SELECT membrane.

Modeling and Simulation of the Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wohr, M.; Narayanan, S. R.; Halpert, G.

1996-01-01

From intro.: The direct methanol liquid feed fuel cell uses aqueous solutions of methanol as fuel and oxygen or air as the oxidant and uses an ionically conducting polymer membrane such as Nafion(sup r)117 and the electrolyte. This type of direct oxidation cell is fuel versatile and offers significant advantages in terms of simplicity of design and operation...The present study focuses on the results of a phenomenological model based on current understanding of the various processed operating in these cells.

3D printed sample holder for in-operando EPR spectroscopy on high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niemöller, Arvid; Jakes, Peter; Kayser, Steffen; Lin, Yu; Lehnert, Werner; Granwehr, Josef

2016-08-01

Electrochemical cells contain electrically conductive components, which causes various problems if such a cell is analyzed during operation in an EPR resonator. The optimum cell design strongly depends on the application and it is necessary to make certain compromises that need to be individually arranged. Rapid prototyping presents a straightforward option to implement a variable cell design that can be easily adapted to changing requirements. In this communication, it is demonstrated that sample containers produced by 3D printing are suitable for EPR applications, with a particular emphasis on electrochemical applications. The housing of a high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell (HT-PEFC) with a phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole membrane was prepared from polycarbonate by 3D printing. Using a custom glass Dewar, this fuel cell could be operated at temperatures up to 140 °C in a standard EPR cavity. The carbon-based gas diffusion layer showed an EPR signal with a characteristic Dysonian line shape, whose evolution could be monitored in-operando in a non-invasive manner.

3D printed sample holder for in-operando EPR spectroscopy on high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

PubMed

Niemöller, Arvid; Jakes, Peter; Kayser, Steffen; Lin, Yu; Lehnert, Werner; Granwehr, Josef

2016-08-01

Electrochemical cells contain electrically conductive components, which causes various problems if such a cell is analyzed during operation in an EPR resonator. The optimum cell design strongly depends on the application and it is necessary to make certain compromises that need to be individually arranged. Rapid prototyping presents a straightforward option to implement a variable cell design that can be easily adapted to changing requirements. In this communication, it is demonstrated that sample containers produced by 3D printing are suitable for EPR applications, with a particular emphasis on electrochemical applications. The housing of a high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell (HT-PEFC) with a phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole membrane was prepared from polycarbonate by 3D printing. Using a custom glass Dewar, this fuel cell could be operated at temperatures up to 140°C in a standard EPR cavity. The carbon-based gas diffusion layer showed an EPR signal with a characteristic Dysonian line shape, whose evolution could be monitored in-operando in a non-invasive manner. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A review of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell durability test protocols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Xiao-Zi; Li, Hui; Zhang, Shengsheng; Martin, Jonathan; Wang, Haijiang

Durability is one of the major barriers to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) being accepted as a commercially viable product. It is therefore important to understand their degradation phenomena and analyze degradation mechanisms from the component level to the cell and stack level so that novel component materials can be developed and novel designs for cells/stacks can be achieved to mitigate insufficient fuel cell durability. It is generally impractical and costly to operate a fuel cell under its normal conditions for several thousand hours, so accelerated test methods are preferred to facilitate rapid learning about key durability issues. Based on the US Department of Energy (DOE) and US Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) accelerated test protocols, as well as degradation tests performed by researchers and published in the literature, we review degradation test protocols at both component and cell/stack levels (driving cycles), aiming to gather the available information on accelerated test methods and degradation test protocols for PEMFCs, and thereby provide practitioners with a useful toolbox to study durability issues. These protocols help prevent the prolonged test periods and high costs associated with real lifetime tests, assess the performance and durability of PEMFC components, and ensure that the generated data can be compared.

Fuel electrode containing pre-sintered nickel/zirconia for a solid oxide fuel cell

DOEpatents

Ruka, Roswell J.; Vora, Shailesh D.

2001-01-01

A fuel cell structure (2) is provided, having a pre-sintered nickel-zirconia fuel electrode (6) and an air electrode (4), with a ceramic electrolyte (5) disposed between the electrodes, where the pre-sintered fuel electrode (6) contains particles selected from the group consisting of nickel oxide, cobalt and cerium dioxide particles and mixtures thereof, and titanium dioxide particles, within a matrix of yttria-stabilized zirconia and spaced-apart filamentary nickel strings having a chain structure, and where the fuel electrode can be sintered to provide an active solid oxide fuel cell.

Apparatus tube configuration and mounting for solid oxide fuel cells

DOEpatents

Zymboly, Gregory E.

1993-01-01

A generator apparatus (10) is made containing long, hollow, tubular, fuel cells containing an inner air electrode (64), an outer fuel electrode (56), and solid electrolyte (54) therebetween, placed between a fuel distribution board (29) and a board (32) which separates the combustion chamber (16) from the generating chamber (14), where each fuel cell has an insertable open end and in insertable, plugged, closed end (44), the plugged end being inserted into the fuel distribution board (29) and the open end being inserted through the separator board (32) where the plug (60) is completely within the fuel distribution board (29).

New Polymer Electrolyte Cell Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smyrl, William H.; Owens, Boone B.; Mann, Kent; Pappenfus, T.; Henderson, W.

2004-01-01

PAPERS PUBLISHED: 1. Pappenfus, Ted M.; Henderson, Wesley A.; Owens, Boone B.; Mann, Kent R.; Smyrl, William H. Complexes of Lithium Imide Salts with Tetraglyme and Their Polyelectrolyte Composite Materials. Journal of the Electrochemical Society (2004), 15 1 (2), A209-A2 15. 2. Pappenfus, Ted M.; Henderson, Wesley A.; Owens, Boone B.; Mann, Kent R.; Smyrl, William H. Ionic-liquidlpolymer electrolyte composite materials for electrochemical device applications. Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering (2003), 88 302. 3. Pappenfus, Ted R.; Henderson, Wesley A.; Owens, Boone B.; Mann, Kent R.; and Smyrl, William H. Ionic Conductivity of a poly(vinylpyridinium)/Silver Iodide Solid Polymer Electrolyte System. Solid State Ionics (in press 2004). 4. Pappenfus Ted M.; Mann, Kent R; Smyrl, William H. Polyelectrolyte Composite Materials with LiPFs and Tetraglyme. Electrochemical and Solid State Letters, (2004), 7(8), A254.

Durability and degradation analysis of hydrocarbon ionomer membranes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells accelerated stress evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimizu, Ryo; Tsuji, Junichi; Sato, Nobuyuki; Takano, Jun; Itami, Shunsuke; Kusakabe, Masato; Miyatake, Kenji; Iiyama, Akihiro; Uchida, Makoto

2017-11-01

The chemical durabilities of two proton-conducting hydrocarbon polymer electrolyte membranes, sulfonated benzophenone poly(arylene ether ketone) (SPK) semiblock copolymer and sulfonated phenylene poly(arylene ether ketone) (SPP) semiblock copolymer are evaluated under accelerated open circuit voltage (OCV) conditions in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). Post-test characterization of the membrane electrodes assemblies (MEAs) is carried out via gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. These results are compared with those of the initial MEAs. The SPP cell shows the highest OCV at 1000 h, and, in the post-test analysis, the SPP membrane retains up to 80% of the original molecular weight, based on the GPC results, and 90% of the hydrophilic structure, based on the NMR results. The hydrophilic structure of the SPP membrane is more stable after the durability evaluation than that of the SPK. From these results, the SPP membrane, with its simple hydrophilic structure, which does not include ketone groups, is seen to be significantly more resistant to radical attack. This structure leads to high chemical durability and thus impedes the chemical decomposition of the membrane.

Fuel cell collector plate and method of fabrication

DOEpatents

Braun, James C.; Zabriskie, Jr., John E.; Neutzler, Jay K.; Fuchs, Michel; Gustafson, Robert C.

2001-01-01

An improved molding composition is provided for compression molding or injection molding a current collector plate for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. The molding composition is comprised of a polymer resin combined with a low surface area, highly-conductive carbon and/or graphite powder filler. The low viscosity of the thermoplastic resin combined with the reduced filler particle surface area provide a moldable composition which can be fabricated into a current collector plate having improved current collecting capacity vis-a-vis comparable fluoropolymer molding compositions.

Evaluation of solid oxide fuel cell systems for electricity generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Somers, E. V.; Vidt, E. J.; Grimble, R. E.

1982-01-01

Air blown (low BTU) gasification with atmospheric pressure Solid Electrolyte Fuel Cells (SOFC) and Rankine bottoming cycle, oxygen blown (medium BTU) gasification with atmospheric pressure SOFC and Rankine bottoming cycle, air blown gasification with pressurized SOFC and combined Brayton/Rankine bottoming cycle, oxygen blown gasification with pressurized SOFC and combined Brayton/Rankine bottoming cycle were evaluated.

Ni modified ceramic anodes for direct-methane solid oxide fuel cells

DOEpatents

Xiao, Guoliang; Chen, Fanglin

2016-01-19

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for fabricating a solid oxide fuel cell is described. The method includes synthesizing a composition having a perovskite present therein. The method further includes applying the composition on an electrolyte support to form an anode and applying Ni to the composition on the anode.

Morphological features (defects) in fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kundu, S.; Fowler, M. W.; Simon, L. C.; Grot, S.

Reliability and durability issues in fuel cells are becoming more important as the technology and the industry matures. Although research in this area has increased, systematic failure analysis, such as a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), are very limited in the literature. This paper presents a categorization scheme of causes, modes, and effects related to fuel cell degradation and failure, with particular focus on the role of component quality, that can be used in FMEAs for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The work also identifies component defects imparted on catalyst-coated membranes (CCM) by manufacturing and proposes mechanisms by which they can influence overall degradation and reliability. Six major defects have been identified on fresh CCM materials, i.e., cracks, orientation, delamination, electrolyte clusters, platinum clusters, and thickness variations.

Composite polymer membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells operating at elevated temperatures and reduced humidities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Tao

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are the leading candidate in the fuel cell technology due to the high power density, solid electrolyte, and low operational temperature. However, PEMFCs operating in the normal temperature range (60-80°C) face problems including poor carbon monoxide tolerance and heat rejection. The poisoning effect can be significantly relieved by operating the fuel cell at elevated temperature, which also improves the heat rejection and electrochemical kinetics. Low relative humidity (RH) operation is also desirable to simplify the reactant humidification system. However, at elevated temperatures, reduced RH PEMFC performance is seriously impaired due to irreversible water loss from presently employed state-of-the-art polymer membrane, Nafion. This thesis focuses on developing polymer electrolyte membranes with high water retention ability for operation in elevated temperature (110-150°C), reduced humidity (˜50%RH) PEMFCs. One approach is to alter Nafion by adding inorganic particles such as TiO2, SiO2, Zr(HPO 4)2, etc. While the presence of these materials in Nafion has proven beneficial, a reduction or no improvement in the PEMFC performance of Nafion/TiO2 and Nafion/Zr(HPO4)2 membranes is observed with reduced particle sizes or increased particle loadings in Nafion. It is concluded that the PEMFC performance enhancement associated with addition of these inorganic particles was not due to the particle hydrophilicity. Rather, the particle, partially located in the hydrophobic region of the membrane, benefits the cell performance by altering the membrane structure. Water transport properties of some Nafion composite membranes were investigated by NMR methods including pulsed field gradient spin echo diffusion, spin-lattice relaxation, and spectral measurements. Compared to unmodified Nafion, composite membranes materials exhibit longer longitudinal relaxation time constant T1. In addition to the Nafion material, sulfonated styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene triblock copolymer (sSEBS) was investigated as an alternate membrane candidate. sSEBS was modified through introduction of polymer crosslinks using benzephenone as a photoinitiator and addition of a titania co-phase. A photocrosslinked membrane initially containing 15% benzophenone and 3% titania laminated with a 10 mum Nafion layer was found to produce the best PEMFC performance (120°C, 50%RH).

Slurry spin coating of thin film yttria stabilized zirconia/gadolinia doped ceria bi-layer electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyun Joong; Kim, Manjin; Neoh, Ke Chean; Han, Gwon Deok; Bae, Kiho; Shin, Jong Mok; Kim, Gyu-Tae; Shim, Joon Hyung

2016-09-01

Thin ceramic bi-layered membrane comprising yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) is fabricated by the cost-effective slurry spin coating technique, and it is evaluated as an electrolyte of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). It is demonstrated that the slurry spin coating method is capable of fabricating porous ceramic films by adjusting the content of ethyl-cellulose binders in the source slurry. The porous GDC layer deposited by spin coating under an optimal condition functions satisfactorily as a cathode-electrolyte interlayer in the test SOFC stack. A 2-μm-thick electrolyte membrane of the spin-coated YSZ/GDC bi-layer is successfully deposited as a dense and stable film directly on a porous NiO-YSZ anode support without any interlayers, and the SOFC produces power output over 200 mW cm-2 at 600 °C, with an open circuit voltage close to 1 V. Electrochemical impedance spectra analysis is conducted to evaluate the performance of the fuel cell components in relation with the microstructure of the spin-coated layers.

The main directions in technology investigation of soid oxide fuel cell in Russian Federal Research Center Institute of Physics & Power Engineering (IPPE)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ievleva, J.I.; Kolesnikov, V.P.; Mezhertisky, G.S.

1996-04-01

The main direction of science investigations for creation of efficient solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) in IPPE are considered in this work. The development program of planar SOFC with thin-film electrolyte is shown. General design schemes of experimental SOFC units are presented. The flow design schemes of processes for initial materials and electrodes fabrication are shown. The results of investigations for creation thin-film solid oxide electrolyte at porous cathode by magnetron sputtering from complex metal target in oxidative environment are presented.

Operando X-ray Investigation of Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces in Model Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

We employed operando anomalous surface X-ray diffraction to investigate the buried interface between the cathode and the electrolyte of a model solid oxide fuel cell with atomic resolution. The cell was studied under different oxygen pressures at elevated temperatures and polarizations by external potential control. Making use of anomalous X-ray diffraction effects at the Y and Zr K-edges allowed us to resolve the interfacial structure and chemical composition of a (100)-oriented, 9.5 mol % yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) single crystal electrolyte below a La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ (LSC) electrode. We observe yttrium segregation toward the YSZ/LSC electrolyte/electrode interface under reducing conditions. Under oxidizing conditions, the interface becomes Y depleted. The yttrium segregation is corroborated by an enhanced outward relaxation of the YSZ interfacial metal ion layer. At the same time, an increase in point defect concentration in the electrolyte at the interface was observed, as evidenced by reduced YSZ crystallographic site occupancies for the cations as well as the oxygen ions. Such changes in composition are expected to strongly influence the oxygen ion transport through this interface which plays an important role for the performance of solid oxide fuel cells. The structure of the interface is compared to the bare YSZ(100) surface structure near the microelectrode under identical conditions and to the structure of the YSZ(100) surface prepared under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. PMID:27346923

NASA Tech Briefs, May 2008

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

Topics covered inclde: Deployable Wireless Camera Penetrators; Hand-Held Units for Short-Range Wireless Biotelemetry; Wearable Wireless Telemetry System for Implantable BioMEMS Sensors; Electronic Escape Trails for Firefighters; Architecture for a High-to-Medium-Voltage Power Converter; 24-Way Radial Power Combiner/Divider for 31 to 36 GHz; Three-Stage InP Submillimeter-Wave MMIC Amplifier; Fast Electromechanical Switches Based on Carbon Nanotubes; Solid-State High-Temperature Power Cells; Fast Offset Laser Phase-Locking System; Fabricating High-Resolution X-Ray Collimators; Embossed Teflon AF Laminate Membrane Microfluidic Diaphragm Valves; Flipperons for Improved Aerodynamic Performance; System Estimates Radius of Curvature of a Segmented Mirror; Refractory Ceramic Foams for Novel Applications; Self-Deploying Trusses Containing Shape-Memory Polymers; Fuel-Cell Electrolytes Based on Organosilica Hybrid Proton Conductors; Molecules for Fluorescence Detection of Specific Chemicals; Cell-Detection Technique for Automated Patch Clamping; Redesigned Human Metabolic Simulator; Compact, Highly Stable Ion Atomic Clock; LiGa(OTf)(sub 4) as an Electrolyte Salt for Li-Ion Cells; Compact Dielectric-Rod White-Light Delay Lines; Single-Mode WGM Resonators Fabricated by Diamond Turning; Mitigating Photon Jitter in Optical PPM Communication; MACOS Version 3.31; Fiber-Optic Determination of N2, O2, and Fuel Vapor in the Ullage of Liquid-Fuel Tanks; Spiking Neurons for Analysis of Patterns; Symmetric Phase-Only Filtering in Particle-Image Velocimetry; Efficient Coupler for a Bessel Beam Dispersive Element; and Attitude and Translation Control of a Solar Sail Vehicle.

A Newly Designed Composite Gel Polymer Electrolyte Based on Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-Hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) for Enhanced Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

PubMed

Xia, Yan; Wang, Xiuli; Xia, Xinhui; Xu, Ruochen; Zhang, Shengzhao; Wu, Jianbo; Liang, Yanfei; Gu, Changdong; Tu, Jiangping

2017-10-26

Developing high-performance solid-state electrolytes is crucial for the innovation of next-generation lithium-sulfur batteries. Herein, a facile method for preparation of a novel gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) is reported. Furthermore, Li 1.5 Al 0.5 Ti 1.5 (PO 4 ) 3 (LATP) nanoparticles as the active fillers are uniformly embedded into the GPE to form the final PVDF-HFP/LATP composite gel polymer electrolyte (CPE). Impressively, the obtained CPE demonstrates a high lithium ion transference number of 0.51 and improved electrochemical stability as compared to commercial liquid electrolyte. In addition, the assembled solid-sate Li-S battery with the composite gel polymer electrolyte membrane presents a high initial capacity of 918 mAh g -1 at 0.05 C, and better cycle performance than the counterparts with liquid electrolyte. Our designed PVDF-HFP/LATP composite can be a promising electrolyte for next-generation solid-state batteries with high cycling stability. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ionic-Liquid-Based Polymer Electrolytes for Battery Applications.

PubMed

Osada, Irene; de Vries, Henrik; Scrosati, Bruno; Passerini, Stefano

2016-01-11

The advent of solid-state polymer electrolytes for application in lithium batteries took place more than four decades ago when the ability of polyethylene oxide (PEO) to dissolve suitable lithium salts was demonstrated. Since then, many modifications of this basic system have been proposed and tested, involving the addition of conventional, carbonate-based electrolytes, low molecular weight polymers, ceramic fillers, and others. This Review focuses on ternary polymer electrolytes, that is, ion-conducting systems consisting of a polymer incorporating two salts, one bearing the lithium cation and the other introducing additional anions capable of plasticizing the polymer chains. Assessing the state of the research field of solid-state, ternary polymer electrolytes, while giving background on the whole field of polymer electrolytes, this Review is expected to stimulate new thoughts and ideas on the challenges and opportunities of lithium-metal batteries. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pt Catalyst Degradation in Aqueous and Fuel Cell Environments studied via In-Operando Anomalous Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gilbert, James A.; Kariuki, Nancy N.; Wang, Xiaoping

2015-08-01

The evolution of Pt nanoparticle cathode electrocatalyst size distribution in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) was followed during accelerated stress tests using in-operando anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS). This evolution was compared to that observed in an aqueous electrolyte environment using stagnant electrolyte, flowing electrolyte, and flowing electrolyte at elevated temperature to reveal the different degradation trends in the PEMFC and aqueous environments and to determine the relevance of aqueous measurements to the stability of Pt nanoparticle catalyst in the fuel cell environment. The observed changes in the particle size distributions (PSDs) were analyzed to elucidate the extentmore » and mechanisms of particle growth and corresponding mass and active surface area losses in the different environments. These losses indicate a Pt nanoparticle surface area loss mechanism controlled by Pt dissolution, the particle size dependence of Pt dissolution, the loss of dissolved Pt into the membrane and electrolyte, and, to a lesser extent, the re-deposition of dissolved Pt onto larger particles. Based on the geometric surface area loss, mass loss, and mean particle size increase trends, the aqueous environment best reflecting the fuel cell environment was found to be one in which the electrolyte is flowing rather than stagnant. Pt nanoparticle surface area loss resulting from potential cycling can be inhibited by reducing the number of particles smaller than a critical particle diameter (CPD), which was found to be similar to 3.5 to similar to 4 nm, with the CPD dependent on both the cycling protocol (square wave vs triangle wave) and the catalyst environment (fuel cell, aqueous stagnant, aqueous flowing electrolyte, or elevated temperature flowing electrolyte)« less

A novel quasi-solid state electrolyte with highly effective polysulfide diffusion inhibition for lithium-sulfur batteries

PubMed Central

Zhong, Hai; Wang, Chunhua; Xu, Zhibin; Ding, Fei; Liu, Xinjiang

2016-01-01

Polymer solid state electrolytes are actively sought for their potential application in energy storage devices, particularly lithium metal rechargeable batteries. Herein, we report a polymer with high concentration salts as a quasi-solid state electrolyte used for lithium-sulfur cells, which shows an ionic conductivity of 1.6 mS cm−1 at room temperature. The cycling performance of Li-S battery with this electrolyte shows a long cycle life (300 cycles) and high coulombic efficiency (>98%), without any consuming additives in the electrolyte. Moreover, it also shows a remarkably decreased self-discharge (only 0.2%) after storage for two weeks at room temperature. The reason can be attributed to that the electrolyte can suppress polysulfide anions diffusion, due to the high ratio oxygen atoms with negative charges which induce an electrical repulsion to the polysulfide anions, and their relatively long chains which can provide additional steric hindrance. Thus, the polysulfide anions can be located around carbon particles, which result in remarkably improved overall electrochemical performance, and also the electrolyte have a function of suppress the formation of lithium dendrites on the lithium anode surface. PMID:27146645

Fuel Cells: A Real Option for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Propulsion

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

The possibility of implementing fuel cell technology in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) propulsion systems is considered. Potential advantages of the Proton Exchange Membrane or Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEMFC) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC), their fuels (hydrogen and methanol), and their storage systems are revised from technical and environmental standpoints. Some operating commercial applications are described. Main constraints for these kinds of fuel cells are analyzed in order to elucidate the viability of future developments. Since the low power density is the main problem of fuel cells, hybridization with electric batteries, necessary in most cases, is also explored. PMID:24600326

Double interconnection fuel cell array

DOEpatents

Draper, Robert; Zymboly, Gregory E.

1993-01-01

A fuel cell array (10) is made, containing number of tubular, elongated fuel cells (12) which are placed next to each other in rows (A, B, C, D), where each cell contains inner electrodes (14) and outer electrodes (18 and 18'), with solid electrolyte (16 and 16') between the electrodes, where the electrolyte and outer electrode are discontinuous, having two portions, and providing at least two opposed discontinuities which contain at least two oppositely opposed interconnections (20 and 20') contacting the inner electrode (14), each cell (12) having only three metallic felt electrical connectors (22) which contact surrounding cells, where each row is electrically connected to the other.

Solid electrolyte material manufacturable by polymer processing methods

DOEpatents

Singh, Mohit; Gur, Ilan; Eitouni, Hany Basam; Balsara, Nitash Pervez

2012-09-18

The present invention relates generally to electrolyte materials. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides for a solid polymer electrolyte material that is ionically conductive, mechanically robust, and can be formed into desirable shapes using conventional polymer processing methods. An exemplary polymer electrolyte material has an elastic modulus in excess of 1.times.10.sup.6 Pa at 90 degrees C. and is characterized by an ionic conductivity of at least 1.times.10.sup.-5 Scm-1 at 90 degrees C. An exemplary material can be characterized by a two domain or three domain material system. An exemplary material can include material components made of diblock polymers or triblock polymers. Many uses are contemplated for the solid polymer electrolyte materials. For example, the present invention can be applied to improve Li-based batteries by means of enabling higher energy density, better thermal and environmental stability, lower rates of self-discharge, enhanced safety, lower manufacturing costs, and novel form factors.

Predicting Carbonate Species Ionic Conductivity in Alkaline Anion Exchange Membranes

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

This method has been used previously with both PEM and AEM fuel cells and demonstrated its ability to accurately predict ionic conductivity [2,9,24...water. In an AMFC, the mobile species is a hydroxide ion (OH - ) and in a PEM fuel cell , the proton is solvated with a water molecule forming...membrane synthesis techniques have produced polymer electrolyte membranes that are capable of transporting anions in alkaline membrane fuel cells

Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium/Sulfur Batteries

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yan; Zhang, Yongguang; Gosselink, Denise; Doan, The Nam Long; Sadhu, Mikhail; Cheang, Ho-Jae; Chen, Pu

2012-01-01

This review evaluates the characteristics and advantages of employing polymer electrolytes in lithium/sulfur (Li/S) batteries. The main highlights of this study constitute detailed information on the advanced developments for solid polymer electrolytes and gel polymer electrolytes, used in the lithium/sulfur battery. This includes an in-depth analysis conducted on the preparation and electrochemical characteristics of the Li/S batteries based on these polymer electrolytes. PMID:24958296

Novel electrolyte chemistries for Mg-Ni rechargeable batteries.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garcia-Diaz, Brenda; Kane, Marie; Au, Ming

2010-10-01

Commercial hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV) serve as means to reduce the nation's dependence on oil. Current electric vehicles use relatively heavy nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries. Li-ion rechargeable batteries have been developed extensively as the replacement; however, the high cost and safety concerns are still issues to be resolved before large-scale production. In this study, we propose a new highly conductive solid polymer electrolyte for Mg-Ni high electrochemical capacity batteries. The traditional corrosive alkaline aqueous electrolyte (KOH) is replaced with a dry polymer with conductivity on the order of 10{sup -2} S/cm, as measuredmore » by impedance spectroscopy. Several potential novel polymer and polymer composite candidates are presented with the best-performing electrolyte results for full cell testing and cycling.« less

Demonstrating the potential of yttrium-doped barium zirconate electrolyte for high-performance fuel cells.

PubMed

Bae, Kiho; Jang, Dong Young; Choi, Hyung Jong; Kim, Donghwan; Hong, Jongsup; Kim, Byung-Kook; Lee, Jong-Ho; Son, Ji-Won; Shim, Joon Hyung

2017-02-23

In reducing the high operating temperatures (≥800 °C) of solid-oxide fuel cells, use of protonic ceramics as an alternative electrolyte material is attractive due to their high conductivity and low activation energy in a low-temperature regime (≤600 °C). Among many protonic ceramics, yttrium-doped barium zirconate has attracted attention due to its excellent chemical stability, which is the main issue in protonic-ceramic fuel cells. However, poor sinterability of yttrium-doped barium zirconate discourages its fabrication as a thin-film electrolyte and integration on porous anode supports, both of which are essential to achieve high performance. Here we fabricate a protonic-ceramic fuel cell using a thin-film-deposited yttrium-doped barium zirconate electrolyte with no impeding grain boundaries owing to the columnar structure tightly integrated with nanogranular cathode and nanoporous anode supports, which to the best of our knowledge exhibits a record high-power output of up to an order of magnitude higher than those of other reported barium zirconate-based fuel cells.

Properties of nanostructured undoped ZrO{sub 2} thin film electrolytes by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition for thin film solid oxide fuel cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cho, Gu Young; Noh, Seungtak; Lee, Yoon Ho

2016-01-15

Nanostructured ZrO{sub 2} thin films were prepared by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) and by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). The effects of the deposition conditions of temperature, reactant, plasma power, and duration upon the physical and chemical properties of ZrO{sub 2} films were investigated. The ZrO{sub 2} films by PEALD were polycrystalline and had low contamination, rough surfaces, and relatively large grains. Increasing the plasma power and duration led to a clear polycrystalline structure with relatively large grains due to the additional energy imparted by the plasma. After characterization, the films were incorporated as electrolytes in thin film solidmore » oxide fuel cells, and the performance was measured at 500 °C. Despite similar structure and cathode morphology of the cells studied, the thin film solid oxide fuel cell with the ZrO{sub 2} thin film electrolyte by the thermal ALD at 250 °C exhibited the highest power density (38 mW/cm{sup 2}) because of the lowest average grain size at cathode/electrolyte interface.« less

Three dimensional CFD modeling and experimental validation of a single chamber solid oxide fuel cell fed by methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, H. T.; Le, M. V.; Nguyen, T. A.; Nguyen, T. A. N.

2017-06-01

The solid oxide fuel cell is one of the promising technologies for future energy demand. Solid oxide fuel cell operated in the single-chamber mode exhibits several advantages over conventional single oxide fuel cell due to the simplified, compact, sealing-free cell structure. There are some studies on simulating the behavior of this type of fuel cell but they mainly focus on the 2D model. In the present study, a three-dimensional numerical model of a single chamber solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is reported and solved using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Experiments of a planar button solid oxide fuel cell were used to verify the simulation results. The system is fed by methane and oxygen and operated at 700°C. The cathode is LSCF6482, the anode is GDC-Ni, the electrolyte is LDM and the operating pressure is 1 atm. There was a good agreement between the cell temperature and current voltage estimated from the model and measured from the experiment. The results indicate that the model is applicable for the single chamber solid oxide fuel cell and it can provide a basic for the design, scale up of single chamber solid oxide fuel cell system.

MATERIAL AND PROCESS DEVELOPMENT LEADING TO ECONOMICAL HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN-FILM SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jie Guan; Atul Verma; Nguyen Minh

2003-04-01

This document summarizes the technical progress from September 2002 to March 2003 for the program, Material and Process Development Leading to Economical High-Performance Thin-Film Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, contract number DE-AC26-00NT40711. The causes have been identified for the unstable open circuit voltage (OCV) and low performance exhibited by the anode-supported lanthanum gallate based cells from the earlier development. Promising results have been obtained in the area of synthesis of electrolyte and cathode powders, which showed excellent sintering and densification at low temperatures. The fabrication of cells using tapecalendering process for anode-supported thin lanthanum gallate electrolyte cells and their performance optimizationmore » is in progress.« less

Solid State Ionics Advanced Materials for Emerging Technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdari, B. V. R.; Careem, M. A.; Dissanayake, M. A. K. L.; Rajapakse, R. M. G.; Seneviratne, V. A.

2006-06-01

Keynote lecture. Challenges and opportunities of solid state ionic devices / W. Weppner -- pt. I. Ionically conducting inorganic solids. Invited papers. Multinuclear NMR studies of mass transport of phosphoric acid in water / J. R. P. Jayakody ... [et al.]. Crystalline glassy and polymeric electrolytes: similarities and differences in ionic transport mechanisms / J.-L. Souquet. 30 years of NMR/NQR experiments in solid electrolytes / D. Brinkmann. Analysis of conductivity and NMR measurements in Li[symbol]La[symbol]TiO[symbol] fast Li[symbol] ionic conductor: evidence for correlated Li[symbol] motion / O. Bohnké ... [et al.]. Transport pathways for ions in disordered solids from bond valence mismatch landscapes / S. Adams. Proton conductivity in condensed phases of water: implications on linear and ball lightning / K. Tennakone -- Contributed papers. Proton transport in nanocrystalline bioceramic materials: an investigative study of synthetic bone with that of natural bone / H. Jena, B. Rambabu. Synthesis and properties of the nanostructured fast ionic conductor Li[symbol]La[symbol]TiO[symbol] / Q. N. Pham ... [et al.]. Hydrogen production: ceramic materials for high temperature water electrolysis / A. Hammou. Influence of the sintering temperature on pH sensor ability of Li[symbol]La[symbol]TiO[symbol]. Relationship between potentiometric and impedance spectroscopy measurements / Q. N. Pham ... [et al.]. Microstructure chracterization and ionic conductivity of nano-sized CeO[symbol]-Sm[symbol]O[symbol] system (x=0.05 - 0.2) prepared by combustion route / K. Singh, S. A. Acharya, S. S. Bhoga. Red soil in Northern Sri Lanka is a natural magnetic ceramic / K. Ahilan ... [et al.]. Neutron scattering of LiNiO[symbol] / K. Basar ... [et al.]. Preparation and properties of LiFePO[symbol] nanorods / L. Q. Mai ... [et al.]. Structural and electrochemical properties of monoclinic and othorhombic MoO[symbol] phases / O. M. Hussain ... [et al.]. Preparation of Zircon (ZrSiO[symbol]) ceramics via solid state sintering of Zr)[symbol] and SiO[symbol] and the effect of dopants on the zircon yield / U. Dhanayake, B. S. B. Karunaratne. Preparation and properties of vanadium doped ZnTe cermet thin films / M. S. Hossain, R. Islam, K. A. Khan. Dynamical properties and electronic structure of lithium-ion conductor / M. Kobayashi ... [et al.]. Cuprous ion conducting Montmorillonite-Polypyrrole nanocomposites / D. M. M. Krishantha ... [et al.]. Frequency dependence of conductivity studies on a newly synthesized superionic solid solution/mixed system: [0.75AgI: 0.25AgCl] / R. K. Nagarch, R. Kumar. Diffuse X-ray and neutron scattering from Powder PbS / X. Lian ... [et al.]. Electron affinity and work function of Pyrolytic MnO[symbol] thin films prepared from Mn(C[symbol]H[symbol]O[symbol])[symbol].4H[symbol]) / A. K. M. Farid Ul Islam, R. Islam, K. A. Khan. Crystal structure and heat capacity of Ba[symbol]Ca[symbol]Nb[symbol]O[symbol] / T. Shimoyama ... [et al.]. XPS and impedance investigations on amorphous vanadium oxide thin films / M. Kamalanathan ... [et al.]. Sintering and mixed electronic-ionic conducting properties of La[symbol]Sr[symbol]NiO[symbol] derived from a polyaminocarboxylate complex precursor / D.-P. Huang ... [et al.]. Preparation and characteristics of ball milled MgH[symbol] + M (M= Fe, VF[symbol] and FeF[symbol]) nanocomposites for hydrogen storage / N. W. B. Balasooriya, Ch. Poinsignon. Structural studies of oxysulfide glasses by X-ray diffraction and molecular dynamics simulation / R. Prasada Rao, M. Seshasayee, J. Dheepa. Synthesis, sintering and oxygen ionic conducting properties of Bi[symbol]V[symbol]Cu[symbol]O[symbol] / F. Zhang ... [et al.]. Synthesis and transport characteristics of PbI[symbol]-Ag[symbol]O-Cr[symbol]O[symbol] superioninc system / S. A. Suthanthiraraj, V. Mathew. Electronic conductivity of La[symbol]Sr[symbol]Ga[symbol]Mg[symbol]Co[symbol]O[symbol] electrolytes / K. Yamaji ... [et al.] -- pt. II. Electrode materials. Invited papers. Cathodic properties of Al-doped LiCoO[symbol] prepared by molten salt method Li-Ion batteries / M. V. Reddy, G. V. Subba Rao, B. V. R. Chowdari. Layered ion-electron conducting materials / M. A. Santa Ana, E. Benavente, G. González. LiNi[symbol]Co[symbol]O[symbol] cathode thin-film prepared by RF sputtering for all-solid-state rechargeable microbatteries / X. J. Zhu ... [et al.] -- Contributed papers. Contributed papers. Nanocomposite cathode for SOFCs prepared by electrostatic spray deposition / A. Princivalle, E. Djurado. Effect of the addition of nanoporous carbon black on the cycling characteristics of Li[symbol]Co[symbol](MoO[symbol])[symbol] for lithium batteries / K. M. Begam, S. R. S. Prabaharan. Protonic conduction in TiP[symbol]O[symbol] / V. Nalini, T. Norby, A. M. Anuradha. Preparation and electrochemical LiMn[symbol]O[symbol] thin film by a solution deposition method / X. Y. Gan ... [et al.]. Synthesis and characterization LiMPO[symbol] (M = Ni, Co) / T. Savitha, S. Selvasekarapandian, C. S. Ramya. Synthesis and electrical characterization of LiCoO[symbol] LiFeO[symbol] and NiO compositions / A. Wijayasinghe, B. Bergman. Natural Sri Lanka graphite as conducting enhancer in manganese dioxide (Emd type) cathode of alkaline batteries / N. W. B. Balasooriya ... [et al.]. Electrochemical properties of LiNi[symbol]Al[symbol]Zn[symbol]O[symbol] cathode material synthesized by emulsion method / B.-H. Kim ... [et al.]. LiNi[symbol]Co[symbol]O[symbol] cathode materials synthesized by particulate sol-gel method for lithium ion batteries / X. J. Zhu ... [et al.]. Pulsed laser deposition of highly oriented LiCoO[symbol] and LiMn[symbol]O[symbol] thin films for microbattery applications / O. M. Hussain ... [et al.]. Preparation of LiNi[symbol]Co[symbol]O[symbol] thin films by a sol-gel method / X. J. Zhu ... [et al.]. Electrochemical lithium insertion into a manganese dioxide electrode in aqueous solutions / M. Minakshi ... [et al.]. AC impedance spectroscopic analysis of thin film LiNiVO[symbol] prepared by pulsed laser deposition technique / S. Selvasekarapandian ... [et al.]. Synthesis and characterization of LiFePO[symbol] cathode materials by microwave processing / J. Zhou ... [et al.]. Characterization of Nd[symbol]Sr[symbol]CoO[symbol] including Pt second phase as the cathode material for low-temperature SOFCs / J. W. Choi ... [et al.]. Thermodynamic behavior of lithium intercalation into natural vein and synthetic graphite / N. W. B. Balasooriya, P. W. S. K. Bandaranayake, Ph. Touzain -- pt. III. Electroactive polymers. Invited papers. Organised or disorganised? looking at polymer electrolytes from both points of view / Y.-P. Liao ... [et al.]. Polymer electrolytes - simple low permittivity solutions? / I. Albinsson, B.-E. Mellander. Dependence of conductivity enhancement on the dielectric constant of the dispersoid in polymer-ferroelectric composite electrolytes / A. Chandra, P. K. Singh, S. Chandra. Design and application of boron compounds for high-performance polymer electrolytes / T. Fujinami. Structural, vibrational and AC impedance analysis of nano composite polymer electrolytes based on PVAC / S. Selvasekarapandian ... [et al.]. Absorption intensity variation with ion association in PEO based electrolytes / J. E. Furneaux ... [et al.]. Study of ion-polymer interactions in cationic and anionic ionomers from the dependence of conductivity on pressure and temperature / M. Duclot ... [et al.]. Triol based polyurethane gel electrolytes for electrochemical devices / A. R. Kulkarni. Contributed papers. Accurate conductivity measurements to solvation energies in nafion / M. Maréchal, J.-L Souquet. Ion conducting behaviour of composite polymer gel electrolyte: PEG-PVA-(NH[symbol]CH[symbol]CO[symbol])[symbol] system / S. L. Agrawal, A. Awadhia, S. K. Patel. Impedance spectroscopy and DSC studies of poly(vinylalcohol)/ silicotungstic acid crosslinked composite membranes / A. Anis, A. K. Banthia. (PEO)[symbol]:Na[symbol]P[symbol]O[symbol]: a report on complex formation / A. Bhide, K. Hariharan. Experimental studies on (PVC+LiClO[symbol]+DMP) polymer electrolyte systems for lithium battery / Ch. V. S. Reddy. Stability of the gel electrolyte, PAN: EC: PC: LiCF[symbol]SO[symbol] towards lithium / K. Perera ... [et al.]. Montmorillonite as a conductivity enhancer in (PEO)[symbol]LiCF[symbol]SO[symbol] polymer electrolyte / C. H. Manoratne ... [et al.]. Polymeric gel electrolytes for electrochemical capacitors / M. Morita ... [et al.]. Electrical conductivity studies on proton conducting polymer electrolytes based on poly (viniyl acetate) / D. Arun Kumar ... [et al.]. Conductivity and thermal studies on plasticized PEO:LiTf-Al[symbol]O[symbol] composite polymer electrolyte / H. M. J. C. Pitawala, M. A. K. L. Dissanayake, V. A. Seneviratne. Investigation of transport properties of a new biomaterials - gum mangosteen / S. S. Pradhan, A. Sarkar. Investigation of ionic conductivity of PEO-MgCl[symbol] based solid polymer electrolyte / M. Sundar ... [et al.]. [symbol]H NMR and Raman analysis of proton conducting polymer electrolytes based on partially hydrolyzed poly (vinyl alcohol) / G. Hirankumar ... [et al.]. Influence of Al[symbol]O[symbol] nanoparticles on the phase matrix of polyethylene oxide-silver triflate polymer electrolytes / S. Austin Suthanthiraraj, D. Joice Sheeba. Effect of different types of ceramic fillers on thermal, dielectric and transport properties of PEO[symbol]LiTf solid polymer electrolyte / K. Vignarooban ... [et al.]. Characterization of PVP based solid polymer electrolytes using spectroscopic techniques / C. S. Ramya ... [et al.]. Electrochemical and structural properties of poly vinylidene fluoride - silver triflate solid polymer electrolyte system / S. Austin Suthanthiraraj, B. Joseph Paul. Micro Raman, Li NMR and AC impedance analysis of PVAC:LiClO[symbol] solid polymer eectrolytes / R. Baskaran ... [et al.].Study of Na+ ion conduction in PVA-NaSCN solid polymer electrolytes / G. M. Brahmanandhan ... [et al.]. Effect of filler addition on plasticized polymer electrolyte systems / M. Sundar, S. Selladurai. Ionic motion in PEDOT and PPy conducting polymer bilayers / U. L. Zainudeen, S. Skaarup, M. A. Careem. Film formation mechanism and electrochemical characterization of V[symbol]O[symbol] xerogel intercalated by polyaniniline / Q. Zhu ... [et al.]. Effect of NH[symbol]NO[symbol] concentration on the conductivity of PVA based solid polymer electrolyte / M. Hema ... [et al.]. Dielectric and conductivity studies of PVA-KSCN based solid polymer electrolytes / J. Malathi ... [et al.] -- pt. IV. Emerging applications. Invited papers. The use of solid state ionic materials and devices in medical applications / R. Linford. Development of all-solid-state lithium batteries / V. Thangadurai, J. Schwenzei, W. Weppner. Reversible intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells / B.-E. Mellander, I. Albinsson. Nano-size effects in lithium batteries / P. Balaya, Y. Hu, J. Maier. Electrochromics: fundamentals and applications / C. G. Granqvist. Electrochemical CO[symbol] gas sensor / K. Singh. Polypyrrole for artificial muscles: ionic mechanisms / S. Skaarup. Development and characterization of polyfluorene based light emitting diodes and their colour tuning using Forster resonance energy transfer / P. C. Mattur ... [et al.]. Mesoporous and nanoparticulate metal oxides: applications in new photocatalysis / C. Boxall. Proton Conducting (PC) perovskite membranes for hydrogen separation and PC-SOFC electrodes and electrolytes / H. Jena, B. Rambabu. Contributed papers. Electroceramic materials for the development of natural gas fuelled SOFC/GT plant in developing country (Trinidad and Tobogo (T&T)) / R. Saunders, H. Jena, B. Rambabu. Thin film SOFC supported on nano-porous substrate / J. Hoon Joo, G. M. Choi. Characterization and fabrication of silver solid state battery Ag/AGI-AgPO[symbol]/I[symbol], C / E. Kartini ... [et al.]. Performance of lithium polymer cells with polyacrylonitrile based electrolyte / K. Perera ... [et al.]. Hydrothermal synthesis and electrochemical behavior of MoO[symbol] nanobelts for lithium batteries / Y. Qi ... [et al.]. Electrochemical behaviour of a PPy (DBS)/polyacrylonitrile: LiTF:EC:PC/Li cell / K. Vidanapathirana ... [et al.]. Characteristics of thick film CO[symbol] sensors based on NASICON using Li[symbol]CO[symbol]-CaCO[symbol] auxiliary phases / H. J. Kim ... [et al.]. Solid state battery discharge characteristic study on fast silver ion conducting composite system: 0.9[0.75AgI:0.25AgCl]: 0.1TiO[symbol] / R. K. Nagarch, R. Kumar, P. Rawat. Intercalating protonic solid-state batteries with series and parallel combination / K. Singh, S. S. Bhoga, S. M. Bansod. Synthesis and characterization of ZnO fiber by microwave processing / Lin Wang ... [et al.]. Preparation of Sn-Ge alloy coated Ge nanoparticles and Sn-Si alloy coated Si nanoparticles by ball-milling / J. K. D. S. Jayanett, S. M. Heald. Synthesis of ultrafine and crystallized TiO[symbol] by alalkoxied free polymerizable precursor method / M. Vijayakumar ... [et al.]. Development and characterization of polythiophene/fullerene composite solar cells and their degradation studies / P. K. Bhatnagar ... [et al.].

X-Ray-Based Imaging for Characterizing Heterogeneous Gas Diffusion Layers for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, Michael G.

Characterization of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells informs modeling studies and the manufacturers of next generation fuel cell materials. Identifying the physical properties related to the primary functions of the modern GDL (thermal, electrical, and mass transport) is necessary for understanding the impact of GDL design choices. X-ray micro-computed tomographic reconstructions of GDLs were studied to isolate GDL surface morphologies. Surface roughness was measured for a wide variety of samples and a sensitivity study highlighted the scale-dependence of surface roughness measurements. Furthermore, a spatially resolved distribution map of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the microporous layer (MPL), critical for water management and mass transport, was identified and the existence of PTFE agglomerations was highlighted. Finally, the impact of accelerated degradation on GDL wettability and water transport increases in liquid water accumulation and oxygen mass transport resistance were quantified as a result of accelerated GDL degradation.

Multiplex lithography for multilevel multiscale architectures and its application to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

PubMed Central

Cho, Hyesung; Moon Kim, Sang; Sik Kang, Yun; Kim, Junsoo; Jang, Segeun; Kim, Minhyoung; Park, Hyunchul; Won Bang, Jung; Seo, Soonmin; Suh, Kahp-Yang; Sung, Yung-Eun; Choi, Mansoo

2015-01-01

The production of multiscale architectures is of significant interest in materials science, and the integration of those structures could provide a breakthrough for various applications. Here we report a simple yet versatile strategy that allows for the LEGO-like integrations of microscale membranes by quantitatively controlling the oxygen inhibition effects of ultraviolet-curable materials, leading to multilevel multiscale architectures. The spatial control of oxygen concentration induces different curing contrasts in a resin allowing the selective imprinting and bonding at different sides of a membrane, which enables LEGO-like integration together with the multiscale pattern formation. Utilizing the method, the multilevel multiscale Nafion membranes are prepared and applied to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. Our multiscale membrane fuel cell demonstrates significant enhancement of performance while ensuring mechanical robustness. The performance enhancement is caused by the combined effect of the decrease of membrane resistance and the increase of the electrochemical active surface area. PMID:26412619

Polymer electrolytes based on sulfonated polysulfone for direct methanol fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lufrano, F.; Baglio, V.; Staiti, P.; Arico', A. S.; Antonucci, V.

This paper reports the development and characterization of sulfonated polysulfone (SPSf) polymer electrolytes for direct methanol fuel cells. The synthesis of sulfonated polysulfone was performed by a post sulfonation method using trimethyl silyl chlorosulfonate as a mild sulfonating agent. Bare polysulfone membranes were prepared with two different sulfonation levels (60%, SPSf-60 and 70%, SPSf-70), whereas, a composite membrane of SPSf-60 was prepared with 5 wt% silica filler. These membranes were investigated in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) operating at low (30-40 °C) and high temperatures (100-120 °C). DMFC power densities were about 140 mW cm -2 at 100 °C with the bare SPSf-60 membrane and 180 mW cm -2 at 120 °C with the SPSf-60-SiO2 composite membrane. The best performance achieved at ambient temperature using a membrane with high degree of sulfonation (70%, SPSf-70) was 20 mW cm -2 at atmospheric pressure. This makes the polysulfone-based DMFC suitable for application in portable devices.

Oxygen reduction reaction catalyzed by nickel complexes based on thiophosphorylated calix[4]resorcinols and immobilized in the membrane electrode assembly of fuel cells.

PubMed

Kadirov, M K; Knyazeva, I R; Nizameev, I R; Safiullin, R A; Matveeva, V I; Kholin, K V; Khrizanforova, V V; Ismaev, T I; Burilov, A R; Budnikova, Yu H; Sinyashin, O G

2016-10-18

The catalytic activity of the nickel complexes of thiophosphorylated calix[4]resorcinols for oxygen reduction in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been studied. The conformation of the macrocyclic ligand determines the morphology and catalytic properties of the resulting organometallic species.

Performance comparison of protonic and sodium phosphomolybdovanadate polyoxoanion catholytes within a chemically regenerative redox cathode polymer electrolyte fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, David B.; Gunn, Natasha L. O.; Uwigena, Nadine; Davies, Trevor J.

2018-01-01

The direct reduction of oxygen in conventional polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is seen by many researchers as a key challenge in PEFC development. Chemically regenerative redox cathode (CRRC) polymer electrolyte fuel cells offer an alternative approach via the indirect reduction of oxygen, improving durability and reducing cost. These systems substitute gaseous oxygen for a liquid catalyst that is reduced at the cathode then oxidised in a regeneration vessel via air bubbling. A key component of a CRRC system is the liquid catalyst or catholyte. To date, phosphomolybdovanadium polyoxometalates with empirical formula H3+nPVnMo12-nO40 have shown the most promise for CRRC PEFC systems. In this work, four catholyte formulations are studied and compared against each other. The catholytes vary in vanadium content, pH and counter ion, with empirical formulas H6PV3Mo9O40, H7PV4Mo8O40, Na3H3PV3Mo9O40 and Na4H3PV4Mo8O40. Thermodynamic properties, cell performance and regeneration rates are measured, generating new insights into how formulation chemistry affects the components of a CRRC system. The results include the best CRRC PEFC performance reported to date, with noticeable advantages over conventional PEFCs. The optimum catholyte formulation is then determined via steady state tests, the results of which will guide further optimization of the catholyte formulation.

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (CR&D) Delivery Order 0067: Molecular Simulations for Hydrated Polymer Fuel Membranes

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-01

proton transfer. 1. INTRODUCTION While polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells ( PEMFCs ) hold out the possibility for providing several important...Among the broader aims of the research is to develop PEMFC systems which can operate at higher temperatures than presently achievable while still...efforts have provided insight into the mechanisms which enable proton conduction in PEMFCs . Hydrated membranes are two-phase systems, an

Lowering the temperature of solid oxide fuel cells.

PubMed

Wachsman, Eric D; Lee, Kang Taek

2011-11-18

Fuel cells are uniquely capable of overcoming combustion efficiency limitations (e.g., the Carnot cycle). However, the linking of fuel cells (an energy conversion device) and hydrogen (an energy carrier) has emphasized investment in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells as part of a larger hydrogen economy and thus relegated fuel cells to a future technology. In contrast, solid oxide fuel cells are capable of operating on conventional fuels (as well as hydrogen) today. The main issue for solid oxide fuel cells is high operating temperature (about 800°C) and the resulting materials and cost limitations and operating complexities (e.g., thermal cycling). Recent solid oxide fuel cells results have demonstrated extremely high power densities of about 2 watts per square centimeter at 650°C along with flexible fueling, thus enabling higher efficiency within the current fuel infrastructure. Newly developed, high-conductivity electrolytes and nanostructured electrode designs provide a path for further performance improvement at much lower temperatures, down to ~350°C, thus providing opportunity to transform the way we convert and store energy.

Polypropylene Oil as a Fuel for Ni-YSZ | YSZ | LSCF Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pratiwi, Andini W.; Rahmawati, Fitria; Rochman, Refada A.; Syahputra, Rahmat J. E.; Prameswari, Arum P.

2018-01-01

This research aims to convert polypropylene plastic to polypropylene oil through pyrolysis method and use the polypropylene oil as fuel for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, SOFC, to produce electricity. The material for SOFC single cell are Ni-YSZ, YSZ, and LSCF as anode, electrolyte and cathode, respectively. YSZ is yttria-stabilized-zirconia. Meanwhile, LSCF is a commercial La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3. The Ni-YSZ is a composite of YSZ with nickel powder. LSCF and Ni-YSZ slurry coated both side of YSZ electrolyte pellet through screen printing method. The result shows that, the produced polypropylene oil consist of C8 to C27 hydrocarbon chain. Meanwhile, a single cell performance test at 673 K, 773 K and 873 K with polypropylene oil as fuel, found that the maximum power density is 1.729 μW. cm-2 at 673 K with open circuit voltage value of 9.378 mV.

Role of salt concentration in blend polymer for energy storage conversion devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arya, Anil; Sharma, A. L., E-mail: alsharmaiitkgp@gmail.com; Sadiq, M.

2016-05-06

Solid Polymer Electrolytes (SPE) are materials of considerable interest worldwide, which serves dual purpose of electrolyte and separator between electrode compartments in renewable energy conversion/storage devices such as; high energy density batteries, electrochromic display devices, and supercapacitors. Polymer blend electrolytes are prepared for various concentration of salt (Ö/Li) with the constant ratio (0.5 gm) of each PEO and PAN polymers (blend polymer) using solution casting technique. Solid polymeric ionic conductor as a separator is the ultimate substitute to eliminate the drawback related to liquid and gel polymer ionic conductors. In the present work, solid polymer electrolyte film consisting of PEO,more » PAN and LiPF{sub 6} are examined for various concentration of lithium salt by keeping PEO/PAN blend ratio as a constant with a view to optimize the dominant salt concentration which could give the maximum conductivity at ambient temperature.« less

In Operando Quantification of Three-Dimensional Water Distribution in Nanoporous Carbon-Based Layers in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Alrwashdeh, Saad S; Manke, Ingo; Markötter, Henning; Klages, Merle; Göbel, Martin; Haußmann, Jan; Scholta, Joachim; Banhart, John

2017-06-27

Understanding the function of nanoporous materials employed in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is crucial to improve their performance, durability, and cost efficiency. Up to now, the water distribution in the nm-sized pore structures was hardly accessible during operation of the cells. Here we demonstrate that phase contrast synchrotron X-ray tomography allows for an in operando quantification of the three-dimensional water distribution within the nm-sized pores of carbon-based microporous layers (MPLs). For this purpose, a fuel cell design optimized for tomographic phase contrast measurements was realized. Water in the pores of the entire MPL was detected and quantified. We found an inhomogeneous distribution of the local water saturation and a sharp boundary between mostly filled MPL and almost empty areas. We attribute the latter observation to the two-phase boundary created because condensation takes place predominantly on one side of the boundary. Furthermore, high water saturation in large areas hints at gas diffusion or transport along preferred three-dimensional paths through the material, therefore bypassing most of the MPL volume. Our approach may contribute significantly to future investigations of nanoporous fuel cell materials under realistic operating conditions.

PREFACE: Transport phenomena in proton conducting media Transport phenomena in proton conducting media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eikerling, Michael

2011-06-01

Proton transport phenomena are of paramount importance for acid-base chemistry, energy transduction in biological organisms, corrosion processes, and energy conversion in electrochemical systems such as polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The relevance for such a plethora of materials and systems, and the ever-lasting fascination with the highly concerted nature of underlying processes drive research across disciplines in chemistry, biology, physics and chemical engineering. A proton never travels alone. Proton motion is strongly correlated with its environment, usually comprised of an electrolyte and a solid or soft host material. For the transport in nature's most benign proton solvent and shuttle, water that is, insights from ab initio simulations, matured over the last 15 years, have furnished molecular details of the structural diffusion mechanism of protons. Excess proton movement in water consists of sequences of Eigen-Zundel-Eigen transitions, triggered by hydrogen bond breaking and making in the surrounding water network. Nowadays, there is little debate about the validity of this mechanism in water, which bears a stunning resemblance to the basic mechanistic picture put forward by de Grotthuss in 1806. While strong coupling of an excess proton with degrees of freedom of solvent and host materials facilitates proton motion, this coupling also creates negative synergies. In general, proton mobility in biomaterials and electrochemical proton conducting media is highly sensitive to the abundance and structure of the proton solvent. In polymer electrolyte membranes, in which protons are bound to move in nano-sized water-channels, evaporation of water or local membrane dehydration due to electro-osmotic coupling are well-known phenomena that could dramatically diminish proton conductivity. Contributions in this special issue address various vital aspects of the concerted nature of proton motion and they elucidate important structural and dynamic effects of solvent, charge-bearing species at interfaces and porous host materials on proton transport properties. As a common thread, articles in this special issue contribute to understanding the functionality provided by complex materials, beyond hydrogen bond fluctuations in water. The first group of articles (Smirnov et al, Henry et al, Medvedev and Stuchebrukhov) elucidates various aspects of the impact of local structural fluctuations, hydrogen bonding and long-range electrostatic forces on proton transfer across and at the surface of mitochondrial membranes. The second group of articles (Ilhan and Spohr, Allahyarov et al and Idupulapati et al) employ molecular dynamics simulations to rationalize vital dependencies of proton transport mechanisms in aqueous-based polymer electrolyte membranes on the nanoporous, phase-separated ionomer morphology, and on the level of hydration. The articles by Gebel et al, Boillat et al, and Aleksandrova et al employ small angle neutron scattering, neutron radiography, and electrochemical atomic force microscopy, respectively, to obtain detailed insights into the kinetics of water sorption, water distribution, water transport properties, as well as spatial maps of proton conductivity in fuel cell membranes. The contribution of Paschos et al provides a comprehensive review of phosphate-based solid state protonic conductors for intermediate temperature fuel cells. The topic of proton conductive materials for high-temperature, water-free operation of fuel cells is continued in the article of Verbraeken et al which addresses synthesis and characterization of a proton conducting perovskite. The guest editor wishes to acknowledge and thank all contributing authors for their commitment to this special issue. Moreover, I would like to thank the staff at IOP Publishing for coordinating submission and refereeing processes. Finally, for the readers, I hope that this special issue will be a valuable and stimulating source of insights into the versatile and eminently important field of transport phenomena in proton conducting media. Complex dynamics of fluids in disordered and crowded environments contents Electrostatic models of electron-driven proton transfer across a lipid membrane Anatoly Yu Smirnov, Lev G Mourokh and Franco Nori Molecular basis of proton uptake in single and double mutants of cytochrome c oxidase Rowan M Henry, David Caplan, Elisa Fadda and Régis Pomès Proton diffusion along biological membranes E S Medvedev and A A Stuchebrukhov Ab initio molecular dynamics of proton networks in narrow polymer electrolyte pores Mehmet A Ilhan and Eckhard Spohr A simulation study of field-induced proton-conduction pathways in dry ionomers Elshad Allahyarov, Philip L Taylor and Hartmut Löwen Molecular structure and transport dynamics in perfluoro sulfonyl imide membranes Nagesh Idupulapati, Ram Devanathan and Michel Dupuis The kinetics of water sorption in Nafion membranes: a small-angle neutron scattering study Gérard Gebel, Sandrine Lyonnard, Hakima Mendil-Jakani and Arnaud Morin Using 2H labeling with neutron radiography for the study of solid polymer electrolyte water transport properties P Boillat, P Oberholzer, B C Seyfang, A Kästner, R Perego, G G Scherer, E H Lehmann and A Wokaun Spatial distribution and dynamics of proton conductivity in fuel cell membranes: potential and limitations of electrochemical atomic force microscopy measurements E Aleksandrova, S Hink, R Hiesgen and E Roduner A review on phosphate based, solid state, protonic conductors for intermediate temperature fuel cells O Paschos, J Kunze, U Stimming and F Maglia A structural study of the proton conducting B-site ordered perovskite Ba3Ca1.18Ta1.82O8.73 Maarten C Verbraeken, Hermenegildo A L Viana, Philip Wormald and John T S Irvine

Characterization of metal-supported axial injection plasma sprayed solid oxide fuel cells with aqueous suspension plasma sprayed electrolyte layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldbillig, D.; Kesler, O.

A method for manufacturing metal-supported SOFCs with atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) is presented, making use of aqueous suspension feedstock for the electrolyte layer and dry powder feedstock for the anode and cathode layers. The cathode layer was deposited first directly onto a metal support, in order to minimize contact resistance, and to allow the introduction of added porosity. The electrolyte layers produced by suspension plasma spraying (SPS) were characterized in terms of thickness, permeability, and microstructure, and the impact of substrate morphology on electrolyte properties was investigated. Fuel cells produced by APS were electrochemically tested at temperatures ranging from 650 to 750 °C. The substrate morphology had little effect on open circuit voltage, but substrates with finer porosity resulted in lower kinetic losses in the fuel cell polarization.

Borotungstic Acid (BWA)-Polyacrylamide (PAM) Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Electrochemical Capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foong, Yee Wei

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are key enablers for thin and flexible electrochemical capacitors in wearable technologies. Polyacrylamide (PAM) is one such promising hygroscopic polymer host, but its performance had not been optimized. This thesis enhanced PAM with borotungstic acid (BWA) as the heteropolyacid conductors. The BWA-PAM electrolyte achieved a high initial conductivity of ca. 27 mS cm-1, but suffered from a short service life (< 40% conductivity retention after 28 days) due to dehydration. BWA-PAM modified with acidic (H3PO4) and neutral (glycerol) plasticizers showed improved conductivity of ca. 30 mS cm-1 and service life (≥ 70% conductivity retention after 28 days). The high BWA and H3PO4 content accelerated the hydrolysis of PAM to polyacrylic acid, resulting in the undesirable precipitation of NH4+-substituted BWA; whereas, glycerol was found to suppress this reaction. The solid CNT-graphite cells with the optimized electrolytes demonstrated a capacitance of ca. 19.5 mF cm -2; a high rate capability (≥ 75% capacitance retention) at 1Vs -1; excellent cycle life (≥ 90% retention of its initial capacitance); and maintained ca. -85° phase angle over 10,000 charging-discharging cycles.

Quaternary Polymer Electrolytes Containing an Ionic Liquid and a Ceramic Filler.

PubMed

Sharova, Varvara; Kim, Guk-Tae; Giffin, Guinevere A; Lex-Balducci, Alexandra; Passerini, Stefano

2016-07-01

In this work, the individual and combined effects of an ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and ceramic filler silicon dioxide on the thermal and electrochemical properties of poly(ethylene oxide) electrolytes have been investigated. The electrolyte containing both components has the lowest glass transition (-60 °C) and melting temperatures (27 °C), the highest conductivity at any investigated temperature, and the highest limiting current density (at 40 °C). This solid polymer electrolyte also exhibits the best long-term cycling performance in Li/LiFePO4 cells. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Tailoring gadolinium-doped ceria-based solid oxide fuel cells to achieve 2 W cm(-2) at 550 °C.

PubMed

Lee, Jin Goo; Park, Jeong Ho; Shul, Yong Gun

2014-06-04

Low-temperature operation is necessary for next-generation solid oxide fuel cells due to the wide variety of their applications. However, significant increases in the fuel cell losses appear in the low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells, which reduce the cell performance. To overcome this problem, here we report Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95-based low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells with nanocomposite anode functional layers, thin electrolytes and core/shell fibre-structured Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ-Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 cathodes. In particular, the report describes the use of the advanced electrospinning and Pechini process in the preparation of the core/shell-fibre-structured cathodes. The fuel cells show a very high performance of 2 W cm(-2) at 550 °C in hydrogen, and are stable for 300 h even under the high current density of 1 A cm(-2). Hence, the results suggest that stable and high-performance solid oxide fuel cells at low temperatures can be achieved by modifying the microstructures of solid oxide fuel cell components.

Optimizing photovoltaic performance in CuInS 2 and CdS quantum dot-sensitized solar cells by using an agar-based gel polymer electrolyte

DOE PAGES

Raphael, E.; Jara, D. H.; Schiavon, M. A.

2017-01-19

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) offer new opportunities to address the clean energy challenge, being one of the top candidates for third generation photovoltaics. Like dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), QDSSCs normally use liquid electrolytes that suffer from issues such as evaporation or leakage. In this study a gel polysulfide electrolyte was prepared containing a natural polymer, agar, and was used as a quasi-solid-state electrolyte in solar cells to replace the conventional liquid electrolytes. This gel electrolyte shows almost the same conductivity as the liquid one. The solar cells were fabricated using CuInS 2 quantum dots (QDs), previously synthesized, deposited onmore » TiO 2 photoanodes by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). CdS was deposited on TiO 2 by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)–Cu 2S, brass, and thin film CuxS were used as counter electrodes. Compared to a liquid polysulfide water based electrolyte, solar cells based on CuInS 2 and CdS using gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) exhibit greater incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE = 51.7% at 520 nm and 72.7% at 440 nm), photocurrent density (J sc = 10.75 and 13.51 mA cm -2), and power conversion efficiency (η = 2.97 and 2.98%) while exhibiting significantly enhanced stability. The solar cells employing the agar-based gel polymeric electrolyte are about a factor of 0.20 more stable than using a liquid electrolyte. The higher photovoltaic performance is due to the good conductivity and high wettability as well as the superior permeation capability of the gel electrolyte into the mesoporous matrix of a TiO 2 film« less

Optimizing photovoltaic performance in CuInS 2 and CdS quantum dot-sensitized solar cells by using an agar-based gel polymer electrolyte

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raphael, E.; Jara, D. H.; Schiavon, M. A.

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) offer new opportunities to address the clean energy challenge, being one of the top candidates for third generation photovoltaics. Like dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), QDSSCs normally use liquid electrolytes that suffer from issues such as evaporation or leakage. In this study a gel polysulfide electrolyte was prepared containing a natural polymer, agar, and was used as a quasi-solid-state electrolyte in solar cells to replace the conventional liquid electrolytes. This gel electrolyte shows almost the same conductivity as the liquid one. The solar cells were fabricated using CuInS 2 quantum dots (QDs), previously synthesized, deposited onmore » TiO 2 photoanodes by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). CdS was deposited on TiO 2 by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)–Cu 2S, brass, and thin film CuxS were used as counter electrodes. Compared to a liquid polysulfide water based electrolyte, solar cells based on CuInS 2 and CdS using gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) exhibit greater incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE = 51.7% at 520 nm and 72.7% at 440 nm), photocurrent density (J sc = 10.75 and 13.51 mA cm -2), and power conversion efficiency (η = 2.97 and 2.98%) while exhibiting significantly enhanced stability. The solar cells employing the agar-based gel polymeric electrolyte are about a factor of 0.20 more stable than using a liquid electrolyte. The higher photovoltaic performance is due to the good conductivity and high wettability as well as the superior permeation capability of the gel electrolyte into the mesoporous matrix of a TiO 2 film« less

Failure analysis of electrolyte-supported solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleischhauer, Felix; Tiefenauer, Andreas; Graule, Thomas; Danzer, Robert; Mai, Andreas; Kuebler, Jakob

2014-07-01

For solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) one key aspect is the structural integrity of the cell and hence its thermo mechanical long term behaviour. The present study investigates the failure mechanisms and the actual causes for fracture of electrolyte supported SOFCs which were run using the current μ-CHP system of Hexis AG, Winterthur - Switzerland under lab conditions or at customer sites for up to 40,000 h. In a first step several operated stacks were demounted for post-mortem inspection, followed by a fractographic evaluation of the failed cells. The respective findings are then set into a larger picture including an analysis of the present stresses acting on the cell like thermal and residual stresses and the measurements regarding the temperature dependent electrolyte strength. For all investigated stacks, the mechanical failure of individual cells can be attributed to locally acting bending loads, which rise due to an inhomogeneous and uneven contact between the metallic interconnect and the cell.

Novel Molecular Architectures Developed for Improved Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium Polymer Batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meador, Mary Ann B.; Kinder, James D.; Bennett, William R.

2002-01-01

Lithium-based polymer batteries for aerospace applications need the ability to operate in temperatures ranging from -70 to 70 C. Current state-of-the-art solid polymer electrolytes (based on amorphous polyethylene oxide, PEO) have acceptable ionic conductivities (10-4 to 10-3 S/cm) only above 60 C. Higher conductivity can be achieved in the current systems by adding solvent or plasticizers to the solid polymer to improve ion transport. However, this can compromise the dimensional and thermal stability of the electrolyte, as well as compatibility with electrode materials. One of NASA Glenn Research Center's objectives in the PERS program is to develop new electrolytes having unique molecular architectures and/or novel ion transport mechanisms, leading to good ionic conductivity at room temperature and below without solvents or plasticizers.

High performance of SDC and GDC core shell type composite electrolytes using methane as a fuel for low temperature SOFC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Irshad, Muneeb; Siraj, Khurram, E-mail: razahussaini786@gmail.com, E-mail: khurram.uet@gmail.com; Javed, Fayyaz

Nanocomposites Samarium doped Ceria (SDC), Gadolinium doped Ceria (GDC), core shell SDC amorphous Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} (SDCC) and GDC amorphous Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} (GDCC) were synthesized using co-precipitation method and then compared to obtain better solid oxide electrolytes materials for low temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFCs). The comparison is done in terms of structure, crystallanity, thermal stability, conductivity and cell performance. In present work, XRD analysis confirmed proper doping of Sm and Gd in both single phase (SDC, GDC) and dual phase core shell (SDCC, GDCC) electrolyte materials. EDX analysis validated the presence of Sm and Gd in bothmore » single and dual phase electrolyte materials; also confirming the presence of amorphous Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} in SDCC and GDCC. From TGA analysis a steep weight loss is observed in case of SDCC and GDCC when temperature rises above 725 °C while SDC and GDC do not show any loss. The ionic conductivity and cell performance of single phase SDC and GDC nanocomposite were compared with core shell GDC/amorphous Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} and SDC/ amorphous Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} nanocomposites using methane fuel. It is observed that dual phase core shell electrolytes materials (SDCC, GDCC) show better performance in low temperature range than their corresponding single phase electrolyte materials (SDC, GDC) with methane fuel.« less

Method of fabricating a monolithic core for a solid oxide fuel cell

DOEpatents

Zwick, Stanley A.; Ackerman, John P.

1985-01-01

A method is disclosed for forming a core for use in a solid oxide fuel cell that electrochemically combines fuel and oxidant for generating galvanic output. The core has an array of electrolyte and interconnect walls that are substantially devoid of any composite inert materials for support consisting instead only of the active anode, cathode, electrolyte and interconnect materials. Each electrolyte wall consists of cathode and anode materials sandwiching electrolyte material therebetween, and each interconnect wall consists of the cathode and anode materials sandwiching interconnect material therebetween. The electrolyte and interconnect walls define a plurality of substantially parallel core passageways alternately having respectively the inside faces thereof with only the anode material or with only the cathode material exposed. In the wall structure, the electrolyte and interconnect materials are only 0.002-0.01 cm thick; and the cathode and anode materials are only 0.002-0.05 cm thick. The method consists of building up the electrolyte and interconnect walls by depositing each material on individually and endwise of the wall itself, where each material deposit is sequentially applied for one cycle; and where the depositing cycle is repeated many times until the material buildup is sufficient to formulate the core. The core is heat cured to become dimensionally and structurally stable.

A review of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, M.; Bazylak, A.

This paper presents an overview of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack testing. Stack testing is critical for evaluating and demonstrating the viability and durability required for commercial applications. Single cell performance cannot be employed alone to fully derive the expected performance of PEMFC stacks, due to the non-uniformity in potential, temperature, and reactant and product flow distributions observed in stacks. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the state-of-the art in PEMFC testing. We discuss the main topics of investigation, including single cell vs. stack-level performance, cell voltage uniformity, influence of operating conditions, durability and degradation, dynamic operation, and stack demonstrations. We also present opportunities for future work, including the need to verify the impact of stack size and cell voltage uniformity on performance, determine operating conditions for achieving a balance between electrical efficiency and flooding/dry-out, meet lifetime requirements through endurance testing, and develop a stronger understanding of degradation.

Transient analysis of gas transport in anode channel of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with dead-ended anode under pressure swing operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichikawa, Yasushi; Oshima, Nobuyuki; Tabuchi, Yuichiro; Ikezoe, Keigo

2014-12-01

Further cost reduction is a critical issue for commercialization of fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) based on polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The cost of the fuel-cell system is driven by the multiple parts required to maximize stack performance and maintain durability and robustness. The fuel-cell system of the FCEV must be simplified while maintaining functionality. The dead-ended anode is considered as a means of simplification in this study. Generally, if hydrogen is supplied under constant pressure during dead-ended operation, stable power generation is impossible because of accumulation of liquid water produced by power generation and of nitrogen via leakage from the cathode through the membrane. Herein, pressure oscillation is applied to address this issue. Empirical and CFD data are employed to elucidate the mechanism of stable power generation using the pressure swing supply. Simultaneous and time-continuous measurements of the current distribution and gas concentration distribution are also conducted. The results demonstrate that the nitrogen concentration in the anode channel under pressure constant operation differs from that under pressure swing supply conditions. The transient two-dimensional CFD results indicate that oscillatory flow is generated by pressure swing supply, which periodically sweeps out nitrogen from the active area, resulting in stable power generation.

Evaluation of Ca3Co2O6 as cathode material for high-performance solid-oxide fuel cell

PubMed Central

Wei, Tao; Huang, Yun-Hui; Zeng, Rui; Yuan, Li-Xia; Hu, Xian-Luo; Zhang, Wu-Xing; Jiang, Long; Yang, Jun-You; Zhang, Zhao-Liang

2013-01-01

A cobalt-based thermoelectric compound Ca3Co2O6 (CCO) has been developed as new cathode material with superior performance for intermediate-temperature (IT) solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Systematic evaluation has been carried out. Measurement of thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), thermal-stress (σ) and interfacial shearing stress (τ) with the electrolyte show that CCO matches well with several commonly-used IT electrolytes. Maximum power density as high as 1.47 W cm−2 is attained at 800°C, and an additional thermoelectric voltage of 11.7 mV is detected. The superior electrochemical performance, thermoelectric effect, and comparable thermal and mechanical behaviors with the electrolytes make CCO to be a promising cathode material for SOFC. PMID:23350032

Solid polymer electrolyte electrochemical storage cell containing a redox shuttle additive for overcharge protection

DOEpatents

Richardson, Thomas J.; Ross, Philip N.

1999-01-01

A class of organic redox shuttle additives is described, preferably comprising nitrogen-containing aromatics compounds, which can be used in a high temperature (85.degree. C. or higher) electrochemical storage cell comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a solid polymer electrolyte to provide overcharge protection to the cell. The organic redox additives or shuttles are characterized by a high diffusion coefficient of at least 2.1.times.10.sup.-8 cm.sup.2 /second and a high onset potential of 2.5 volts or higher. Examples of such organic redox shuttle additives include an alkali metal salt of 1,2,4-triazole, an alkali metal salt of imidazole, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, 1,3,5-tricyanobenzene, and a dialkali metal salt of 3-4-dihydroxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione.

Nanographene synthesized in triple-phase plasmas as a highly durable support of catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amano, Tomoki; Kondo, Hiroki; Takeda, Keigo; Ishikawa, Kenji; Hiramatsu, Mineo; Sekine, Makoto; Hori, Masaru

2018-04-01

Nanographene was synthesized in triple-phase plasmas comprising a gaseous phase, a gas-liquid boundary layer, and an in-liquid phase using a setup in which one electrode was placed in the gaseous phase while the other was immersed in the liquid phase. The triple-phase plasmas were generated using a pure alcohol, such as ethanol, 1-propanol, or 1-butanol, by applying a high voltage to a pair of electrodes made of copper or graphite. The nanographene synthesized using ethanol had high durability and thus could serve as a catalyst support in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The PEFCs exhibited low degradation rates in the high-potential cycle test of a half-cell, as a result of which, a loss of only 10% was observed in the effective electrochemical surface area of Pt, even after 10,000 cycles.

An empirical study into the effect of long term storage (-36±2 °C) of electron-beamed ETFE on the properties of radiation-grafted alkaline anion-exchange membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kizewski, Jamie Peter; Mudri, Nurul H.; Varcoe, John R.

2013-08-01

The application of alkaline anion-exchange membranes (AAEM) in solid alkaline fuel cells is growing in prominence mainly due to enhanced tolerance to carbon dioxide, compared to alkaline fuel cells containing aqueous electrolytes, and the potential for using non precious metal catalysts. Radiation grafting is a common methodology for the production of functional polymers and membranes. This statistical study examines the synthesis of radiation grafted AAEMs that are formed from electron beam irradiated poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene), EB-ETFE. It is shown that EB-ETFE can be cold stored for at least 16 months and still be used to produce ionically conductive AAEMs. The limitations of routine measurements of properties, such as dimensional increases, ion-exchange capacity, water uptakes and ionic conductivities, are also highlighted.

Scattering-layer-induced energy storage function in polymer-based quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Xi; Jiang, Hongrui

2015-03-09

Photo-self-charging cells (PSCs) are compact devices with dual functions of photoelectric conversion and energy storage. By introducing a scattering layer in polymer-based quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells, two-electrode PSCs with highly compact structure were obtained. The charge storage function stems from the formed ion channel network in the scattering layer/polymer electrolyte system. Both the photoelectric conversion and the energy storage functions are integrated in only the photoelectrode of such PSCs. This design of PSC could continuously output power as a solar cell with considerable efficiency after being photo-charged. Such PSCs could be applied in highly-compact mini power devices.

Charge and discharge characteristics of lithium-ion graphite electrodes in solid-state cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemont, S.; Billaud, D.

Lithium ions have been electrochemically intercalated into graphite in solid-state cells operating with solid polymer electrolytes based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) complexed with lithium perchlorate (LiClO 4). The working composite electrode is composed of active-divided natural graphite associated with P(EO) 8-LiClO 4 acting as a binder and a Li + ionic conductor. Intercalation and de-intercalation of Li + were performed using galvanostatic or voltammetry techniques. The curves obtained in our solid-state cells were compared with those performed in liquid ethylene carbonate-LiClO 4 electrolyte. It is shown that in solid-state cells, side reactions occur both in the reduction and in the oxidation processes which leads to some uncertainty in the determination of the maximum reversible capacity of the graphite material.

High-performance Fuel Cell with Stretched Catalyst-Coated Membrane: One-step Formation of Cracked Electrode.

PubMed

Kim, Sang Moon; Ahn, Chi-Yeong; Cho, Yong-Hun; Kim, Sungjun; Hwang, Wonchan; Jang, Segeun; Shin, Sungsoo; Lee, Gunhee; Sung, Yung-Eun; Choi, Mansoo

2016-05-23

We have achieved performance enhancement of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) though crack generation on its electrodes. It is the first attempt to enhance the performance of PEMFC by using cracks which are generally considered as defects. The pre-defined, cracked electrode was generated by stretching a catalyst-coated Nafion membrane. With the strain-stress property of the membrane that is unique in the aspect of plastic deformation, membrane electrolyte assembly (MEA) was successfully incorporated into the fuel cell. Cracked electrodes with the variation of strain were investigated and electrochemically evaluated. Remarkably, mechanical stretching of catalyst-coated Nafion membrane led to a decrease in membrane resistance and an improvement in mass transport, which resulted in enhanced device performance.

Chemical characterization of solid polymer electrolyte membrane surfaces in LiFePO4 half-cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyu, Thein; He, Ruixuan; Peng, Fang; Dunn, William E.; Kyu's Group Team, Dr.

High temperature (60 °C) capacity retention of succinonitrile plasticized solid polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in a LiFePO4 half-cell was investigated with or without lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB) modification. Various symmetric cells and half-cells were studied under different thermal and electrochemical conditions. At room temperature cycling, the unmodified PEM in the half-cell appeared stable up to 50 cycles tested. Upon cycling at 60 °C, the capacity decays rapidly and concurrently the cell resistance increased. The chemical compositions of the solid PEM surfaces on both cathode and anode sides were analyzed. New IR bands (including those belonged to amide) were discerned on the unmodified PEM surface of the Li electrode side at 60 °C suggestive of side reaction, but no new bands develop during room temperature cycling. To our astonishment, the side reaction was effectively suppressed upon LiBOB addition (0.4 wt%) into the PEM, contributing to increased high temperature capacity retention at 60°C. Plausible mechanisms of capacity fading and improved cycling performance due to LiBOB modification are discussed.

Recent Progress in Nanostructured Electrocatalysts for PEM Fuel Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Sheng; Shao, Yuyan; Yin, Geping

2013-03-30

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells are attracting much attention as promising clean power sources and an alternative to conventional internal combustion engines, secondary batteries, and other power sources. Much effort from government laboratories, industry, and academia has been devoted to developing PEM fuel cells, and great advances have been achieved. Although prototype cars powered by fuel cells have been delivered, successful commercialization requires fuel cell electrocatalysts, which are crucial components at the heart of fuel cells, meet exacting performance targets. In this review, we present a brief overview of the recent progress in fuel cell electrocatalysts, which involves catalystmore » supports, Pt and Pt-based electrocatalysts, and non-Pt electrocatalysts.« less

Advanced control of liquid water region in diffusion media of polymer electrolyte fuel cells through a dimensionless number

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yun; Chen, Ken S.

2016-05-01

In the present work, a three-dimension (3-D) model of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is employed to investigate the complex, non-isothermal, two-phase flow in the gas diffusion layer (GDL). Phase change in gas flow channels is explained, and a simplified approach accounting for phase change is incorporated into the fuel cell model. It is found that the liquid water contours in the GDL are similar along flow channels when the channels are subject to two-phase flow. Analysis is performed on a dimensionless parameter Da0 introduced in our previous paper [Y. Wang and K. S. Chen, Chemical Engineering Science 66 (2011) 3557-3567] and the parameter is further evaluated in a realistic fuel cell. We found that the GDL's liquid water (or liquid-free) region is determined by the Da0 number which lumps several parameters, including the thermal conductivity and operating temperature. By adjusting these factors, a liquid-free GDL zone can be created even though the channel stream is two-phase flow. Such a liquid-free zone is adjacent to the two-phase region, benefiting local water management, namely avoiding both severe flooding and dryness.

Advanced control of liquid water region in diffusion media of polymer electrolyte fuel cells through a dimensionless number

DOE PAGES

Wang, Yun; Chen, Ken S.

2016-03-21

In the present study, a three-dimension (3-D) model of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is employed to investigate the complex, non-isothermal, two-phase flow in the gas diffusion layer (GDL). Phase change in gas flow channels is explained, and a simplified approach accounting for phase change is incorporated into the fuel cell model. It is found that the liquid water contours in the GDL are similar along flow channels when the channels are subject to two-phase flow. Here, analysis is performed on a dimensionless parameter Da 0 introduced in our previous paper and the parameter is further evaluated in a realisticmore » fuel cell. We found that the GDL's liquid water (or liquid-free) region is determined by the Da 0 number which lumps several parameters, including the thermal conductivity and operating temperature. By adjusting these factors, a liquid-free GDL zone can be created even though the channel stream is two-phase flow. Such a liquid-free zone is adjacent to the two-phase region, benefiting local water management, namely avoiding both severe flooding and dryness.« less

Space Electrochemical Research and Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Richard M. (Compiler)

1996-01-01

Individual papers presented at the conference address the following topics: development of a micro-fiber nickel electrode for nickel-hydrogen cell, high performance nickel electrodes for space power application, bending properties of nickel electrodes for nickel-hydrogen batteries, effect of KOH concentration and anions on the performance of a Ni-H2 battery positive plate, advanced dependent pressure vessel nickel hydrogen spacecraft cell and battery design, electrolyte management considerations in modern nickel hydrogen and nickel cadmium cell and battery design, a novel unitized regenerative proton exchange membrane fuel cell, fuel cell systems for first lunar outpost - reactant storage options, the TMI regenerable solid oxide fuel cell, engineering development program of a closed aluminum-oxygen semi-cell system for an unmanned underwater vehicle, SPE OBOGS on-board oxygen generating system, hermetically sealed aluminum electrolytic capacitor, sol-gel technology and advanced electrochemical energy storage materials, development of electrochemical supercapacitors for EMA applications, and high energy density electrolytic capacitor.

Inorganic-organic electrolyte materials for energy applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fei, Shih-To

This thesis research is devoted to the development of phosphazene-based electrolyte materials for use in various energy applications. Phosphazenes are inorganic-organic materials that provide unusal synthetic advantages and unique process features that make them useful in energy research. This particular thesis consists of six chapters and is focused on four specific aspects: lithium battery, solar cell, and fuel cell electrolytes, and artificial muscles. Chapter 1 is written as an introduction and review of phosphazene electrolytes used in energy applications. In this introduction the basic history and characteristics of the phosphazenes are discussed briefly, followed by examples of current and future applications of phosphazene electrolytes related to energy. Notes are included on how the rest of the chapters relate to previous work. Chapters 2 and 3 discuss the conductivity and fire safety of ethyleneoxy phosphazene gel electrolytes. The current highly flammable configurations for rechargeable lithium batteries generate serious safety concerns. Although commercial fire retardant additives have been investigated, they tend to decrease the overall efficiency of the battery. In these two chapters the discussion is focused on ionically conductive, non-halogenated lithium battery additives based on a methoxyethoxyethoxyphosphazene oligomer and the corresponding high polymer, both of which can increase the fire resistance of a battery while retaining a high energy efficiency. Conductivities in the range of 10 -4 Scm-1 have been obtained for self-extinguishing, ion-conductive methoxyethoxyethoxyphosphazene oligomers. The addition of 25 wt% high polymeric poly[bis(methoxyethoxyethoxy)phosphazene] to propylene carbonate electrolytes lowers the flammability by 90% while maintaining a good ionic conductivity of 2.5x10--3 Scm -1 Chapter 2 is focused more on the electrochemical properties of the electrolytes and how they compare to other similar materials, while Chapter 3 emphasizes the flammability studies. Chapter 4 expands the application of the ethyleneoxy phosphazene system to dye sensitized solar cell systems, and uses this material as a model for the study of electrode-electrolyte interfaces. We report here the results of our study on polymer electrolyte infiltration and its effect on dye-sensitized solar cells. In-depth studies have been made to compare the effects of different cell assembly procedures on the electrochemical properties as well as infiltration of electrolytes into various electrode designs. The first part of the study is based on the use of thermoplastic phosphazene electrolytes and how the overall fabrication procedure affects electrochemical performance, and the second is the use of cross-section microscopy to characterize the degree of electrolyte infiltration into various nanostructured titanium dioxide electrode surfaces. The results of this study should eventually improve the efficiency and longevity of thermally stable polymer dye solar cell systems. In Chapter 5 the effect of pendant polymer design on methanol fuel cell membrane performance was investigated. A synthetic method is described to produce a proton conductive polymer membrane with a polynorbornane backbone and inorganic-organic cyclic phosphazene pendent groups that bear sulfonic acid units. This hybrid polymer combines the inherent hydrophobicity and flexibility of the organic polymer with the tuning advantages of the cyclic phosphazene to produce a membrane with high proton conductivity and low methanol crossover at room temperature. The ion exchange capacity (IEC), the water swelling behavior of the polymer, and the effect of gamma radiation crosslinking were studied, together with the proton conductivity and methanol permeability of these materials. A typical membrane had an IEC of 0.329 mmolg-1 and had water swelling of 50 wt%. The maximum proton conductivity of 1.13x10 -4 Scm-1 at room temperature is less than values reported for some commercially available materials such as Nafion. However the average methanol permeability was around 10-9 cms-1, which is one hundred times smaller than the value for Nafion. Thus, the new polymers are candidates for low-temperature direct methanol fuel cell membranes. Finally, Chapter 6 focuses on the electroactivity of a mixed-substituent phosphazene electrolyte and its viability as an actuator material. We report here an electrochemically responsive polymer hydrogel based on ionic crosslinking. The crosslinking by metal cations and anionic carboxylic acid side groups can be controlled by redox reactions. The crosslinks dissociate when the cation crosslinker is reduced to a lower oxidation state and reform following oxidation, which leads to a reversible and localized swelling--contraction. By choosing biocompatible components and miniaturization designs, the system has potential in microrobotic and biomedical applications.

Lithium Polymer Electrolytes Based On PMMA / PEG And Penetrant Diffusion In Kraton Penta-Block Ionomer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Yan

The study of diffusion in polymeric material is critical to many research fields and applications, such as polymer morphology, protective coatings (paints and varnishes), separation membranes, transport phenomena, polymer electrolytes, polymer melt, and controlled release of drugs from polymer carriers [1-9]. However, it is still a challenge to understand, predict and control the diffusion of molecules and ions of different sizes in polymers [2]. This work studied the medium to long range diffusion of species (i.e., ions and molecules) in solid polymer electrolytes based on poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PEG/PMMA) for Li-based batteries, and polymeric permselective membranes via pulsed-field gradient NMR and a.c. impedance. Over the past decades polymer electrolytes have attracted much attention because of their promising technological application as an ion-conducting medium in solid-state batteries, fuel cells, electrochromic displays, and chemical sensors [10, 11]. However, despite numerous studies related to ionic transport in these electrolytes the understanding of the migration mechanism is still far from being complete, and progress in the field remains largely empirical [10, 12-15]. Among various candidates for solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) material, the miscible polymer pair, poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PEO/PMMA), is an attractive one, because there is a huge difference in mobility between PEO and PMMA in their blends, and PEO chains remain exceptionally mobile in the blend even at temperature below the glass transition temperature of the blend [ 16]. Thus the mechanical strength and dimensional stability is maintained by PMMA component, while the chain motions or rearrangements of the PEO component virtually contribute to the ion transport [17]. The current work prepared two types of SPE based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) /PMMA (40/60 by weight) for Li-based batteries: lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonylimide) (LiN(SO2CF3)2, LiTFSI) doped SPE and single-ion SPE. PEG, which is the very low molecular weight version of PEO, was used instead of PLO due to PEG's advantages of being noncrystalline, higher mobility, and having relatively high ionic conductivity when doped with alkali metal salts [18]. The medium to long range diffusion of species (i.e., ions and molecules) were studied via pulsed-field gradient NMR and a.c. impedance, along with other properties. For the LiTFSI doped system, the samples are named with their F0 to Li ratios. The order of diffusivity of ions is 16:1> 24:1> 8:1, while the order of a.c. conductivity is 24:1 > 16:1> 8:1. The largest diffusion 7Li coefficient is 1.4 x 108 cm 2/s in 16:1 at 77°C , and the largest a.c. conductivity is 1.43x 10-5S/cm for 24:1 at 68°C. The discrepancy between the diffusivity order and conductivity order is attributed to the formation of neutral contact ion pairs by a substantial fraction of ions in 16:1 . As the salt concentration is increased as 24:1→16:1→8:1, there is the transition of mostly free ions (i.e., 24:1)→free ions+contact ion pairs (i.e.. 16:1)→free ions+contact ion pairs+higher aggregates (i.e., 8:1). For the single-ion system, ion pairing of lithium PMMA ionomer is a serious problem due to the relatively low acidity of its corresponding acid and the low dielectric constant of the solvent (i.e. PEG). The Li+ diffusivity is fair (on the order of 10-8 cm2/s at 65°C, 77°C, and 89°C), but the fraction of free Li+ is only 1-2%. This severely limits the resulting a.c. conductivity, which is 2.72x 10-7 S/cm for 40P600 at 81°C. The second project involves studying the transport properties of a sulfonated pentablock copolymer, poly(para-methylstyrene)--b-hydrogenated polybutadiene-b-polystyrene-bhydrogenated polybutadiene - b-poly(para-methylstyrene) with polystyrene sulfonated in the midblock(PMS-HPB-sS-HPB-PMS), as pemrselective membranes for protective clothing, with high permeability to water and low permeability to hazardous organic chemicals. In addition, this work also contributes to study of polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell systems, because water transport in polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) has a profound effect on the performance of a fuel cell, yet is surprisingly the least studied property of PEMs[19]. The self-diffusion coefficients of different penetrant molecules, i.e., water, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), and ethanol in the said ionomer were accurately measured with PFG NMR as functions of temperature and concentration of solvents. Water exhibited self-diffusion coefficients two orders of magnitude higher than DMMP, while ethanol lies in between. Their effective volume to surface ratios of domains where diffusion took place were determined. The volume to surface ratios of water and DMMP are quite different, suggesting they may have different local geometry of the pores they reside in, while the V p/Seff ratios for water and ethanol are similar, thereby suggesting similar local environments of these solvents in the ionomer.

Conductivity studies of PEG based polymer electrolyte for applications as electrolyte in ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patil, Ravikumar V.; Praveen, D.; Damle, R.

2018-05-01

Development of lithium ion batteries employing solid polymer electrolytes as electrolyte material has led to efficient energy storage and usage in many portable devices. However, due to a few drawbacks like lower ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), studies on SPEs for improvement in conductivity still have a good scope. In the present paper, we report the conductivity studies of a new SPE with low molecular weight poly ethylene glycol (PEG) as host polymer in which a salt with larger anion Lithium trifluro methane sulphonate (LTMS). XRD studies have revealed that the salt completely dissociates in the polymer giving a good stable electrolyte at lower salt concentration. Conductivity of the SPEs has been studied as a function of temperature and we reiterate that the conductivity is a thermally activated process and follows Arrhenius type behavior.

Magnetotomography—a new method for analysing fuel cell performance and quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hauer, Karl-Heinz; Potthast, Roland; Wüster, Thorsten; Stolten, Detlef

Magnetotomography is a new method for the measurement and analysis of the current density distribution of fuel cells. The method is based on the measurement of the magnetic flux surrounding the fuel cell stack caused by the current inside the stack. As it is non-invasive, magnetotomography overcomes the shortcomings of traditional methods for the determination of current density in fuel cells [J. Stumper, S.A. Campell, D.P. Wilkinson, M.C. Johnson, M. Davis, In situ methods for the determination of current distributions in PEM fuel cells, Electrochem. Acta 43 (1998) 3773; S.J.C. Cleghorn, C.R. Derouin, M.S. Wilson, S. Gottesfeld, A printed circuit board approach to measuring current distribution in a fuel cell, J. Appl. Electrochem. 28 (1998) 663; Ch. Wieser, A. Helmbold, E. Gülzow, A new technique for two-dimensional current distribution measurements in electro-chemical cells, J. Appl. Electrochem. 30 (2000) 803; Grinzinger, Methoden zur Ortsaufgelösten Strommessung in Polymer Elektrolyt Brennstoffzellen, Diploma thesis, TU-München, 2003; Y.-G. Yoon, W.-Y. Lee, T.-H. Yang, G.-G. Park, C.-S. Kim, Current distribution in a single cell of PEMFC, J. Power Sources 118 (2003) 193-199; M.M. Mench, C.Y. Wang, An in situ method for determination of current distribution in PEM fuel cells applied to a direct methanol fuel cell, J. Electrochem. Soc. 150 (2003) A79-A85; S. Schönbauer, T. Kaz, H. Sander, E. Gülzow, Segmented bipolar plate for the determination of current distribution in polymer electrolyte fuel cells, in: Proceedings of the Second European PEMFC Forum, vol. 1, Lucerne/Switzerland, 2003, pp. 231-237; G. Bender, S.W. Mahlon, T.A. Zawodzinski, Further refinements in the segmented cell approach to diagnosing performance in polymer electrolyte fuel cells, J. Power Sources 123 (2003) 163-171]. After several years of research a complete prototype system is now available for research on single cells and stacks. This paper describes the basic system (fundamentals, hardware and software) as well as the state of development until December 2003. Initial findings on a full-size single cell will be presented together with an outlook on the planned next steps.

Engineered Graphene Materials: Synthesis and Applications for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells.

PubMed

He, Daping; Tang, Haolin; Kou, Zongkui; Pan, Mu; Sun, Xueliang; Zhang, Jiujun; Mu, Shichun

2017-05-01

Engineered graphene materials (EGMs) with unique structures and properties have been incorporated into various components of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) such as electrode, membrane, and bipolar plates to achieve enhanced performances in terms of electrical conductivity, mechanical durability, corrosion resistance, and electrochemical surface area. This research news article provides an overview of the recent development in EGMs and EGM-based PEMFCs with a focus on the effects of EGMs on PEMFC performance when they are incorporated into different components of PEMFCs. The challenges of EGMs for practical PEMFC applications in terms of production scale, stability, conductivity, and coupling capability with other materials are also discussed and the corresponding measures and future research trends to overcome such challenges are proposed. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A numerical model for CO effect evaluation in HT-PEMFCs: Part 2 - Application to different membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cozzolino, R.; Chiappini, D.; Tribioli, L.

2016-06-01

In this paper, a self-made numerical model of a high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is presented. In particular, we focus on the impact of CO poisoning on fuel cell performance and its influence on electrochemical modelling. More specifically, the aim of this work is to demonstrate the effectiveness of our zero-dimensional electrochemical model of HT-PEMFCs, by comparing numerical and experimental results, obtained from two different commercial membranes electrode assemblies: the first one is based on polybenzimidazole (PBI) doped with phosphoric acid, while the second one uses a PBI electrolyte with aromatic polyether polymers/copolymers bearing pyridine units, always doped with H3PO4. The analysis has been carried out considering both the effect of CO poisoning and operating temperature for the two membranes above mentioned.

A Review of Molecular-Level Mechanism of Membrane Degradation in the Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell

PubMed Central

Ishimoto, Takayoshi; Koyama, Michihisa

2012-01-01

Chemical degradation of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane is one of the most serious problems for stable and long-term operations of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). The chemical degradation is caused by the chemical reaction between the PFSA membrane and chemical species such as free radicals. Although chemical degradation of the PFSA membrane has been studied by various experimental techniques, the mechanism of chemical degradation relies much on speculations from ex-situ observations. Recent activities applying theoretical methods such as density functional theory, in situ experimental observation, and mechanistic study by using simplified model compound systems have led to gradual clarification of the atomistic details of the chemical degradation mechanism. In this review paper, we summarize recent reports on the chemical degradation mechanism of the PFSA membrane from an atomistic point of view. PMID:24958288

New design of a cathode flow-field with a sub-channel to improve the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yulin; Yue, Like; Wang, Shixue

2017-03-01

The cathode flow-field design of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells determines the distribution of reactant gases and the removal of liquid water. A suitable design can result in perfect water management and thus high cell performance. In this paper, a new design for a cathode flow-field with a sub-channel was proposed and had been experimentally analyzed in a parallel flow-field PEM fuel cell. Three sub-channel inlets were placed along the cathode channel. The main-channel inlet was fed with moist air to humidify the membrane and maintain high proton conductivity, whereas, the sub-channel inlet was fed with dry air to enhance water removal in the flow channel. The experimental results indicated that the sub-channel design can decrease the pressure drop in the flow channel, and the sub-channels inlet positions (SIP, where the sub-channel inlets were placed along the cathode channel) and flow rates (SFR, percentage of air from the sub-channel inlet in the total cathode flow rate) had a considerable impact on water removal and cell performance. A proposed design that combines the SIP and SFR can effectively eliminate water from the fuel cell, increasing the maximum power density by more than 13.2% compared to the conventional design.

Fabrication and characterization of anode-supported micro-tubular solide oxide fuel cell by phase inversion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Cong

Nowadays, the micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (MT-SOFCs), especially the anode supported MT-SOFCs have been extensively developed to be applied for SOFC stacks designation, which can be potentially used for portable power sources and vehicle power supply. To prepare MT-SOFCs with high electrochemical performance, one of the main strategies is to optimize the microstructure of the anode support. Recently, a novel phase inversion method has been applied to prepare the anode support with a unique asymmetrical microstructure, which can improve the electrochemical performance of the MT-SOFCs. Since several process parameters of the phase inversion method can influence the pore formation mechanism and final microstructure, it is essential and necessary to systematically investigate the relationship between phase inversion process parameters and final microstructure of the anode supports. The objective of this study is aiming at correlating the process parameters and microstructure and further preparing MT-SOFCs with enhanced electrochemical performance. Non-solvent, which is used to trigger the phase separation process, can significantly influence the microstructure of the anode support fabricated by phase inversion method. To investigate the mechanism of non-solvent affecting the microstructure, water and ethanol/water mixture were selected for the NiO-YSZ anode supports fabrication. The presence of ethanol in non-solvent can inhibit the growth of the finger-like pores in the tubes. With the increasing of the ethanol concentration in the non-solvent, a relatively dense layer can be observed both in the outside and inside of the tubes. The mechanism of pores growth and morphology obtained by using non-solvent with high concentration ethanol was explained based on the inter-diffusivity between solvent and non-solvent. Solvent and non-solvent pair with larger Dm value is benefit for the growth of finger-like pores. Three cells with different anode geometries was prepared, La0.85Sr0.15MnO 3 (LSM) was selected as the cathode. Cells were tested at 800°C using humidified H2 as fuel. Cell with anode prepared by using pure water as non-solvent shows a maximum power density up to 437mW/cm 2. By comparing the anode geometry and electrochemical performance, it indicated that microstructure with longer finger-like pores and thinner macrovoid free layer close to the inner side of the tube is benefit to cell performance. Another factor that can affect the microstructure of anode support is the ratio of solvent and polymer binder. In this research, anode-supported MT-SOFCs have been fabricated by phase inversion method. The effect of the viscosity of the casting slurry on the microstructure of YSZ-NiO anode support has been investigated. The microstructure of the YSZ-NiO support can be effectively controlled by varying the slurry composition with different solvent and polymer binder content. Gas permeation and mechanical strength of the YSZ-NiO support have been measured and four YSZ-NiO anode supports have been chosen for subsequent cell fabrication. The effective conductivity of the different anode supports has been measured at room temperature after reduced. Anode-supported single cells with YSZ electrolyte and LSM/YSZ cathode are fabricated and tested. Maximum cell power densities of 606 mWcm-2, 449 mWcm -2, 339 mWcm-2 and 253 mWcm-2 have been obtained respectively at 750 °C with humidified hydrogen as fuel and ambient air as oxidant. The correlation between the cell electrochemical performance and anode microstructures has been discussed. Adjusting the slurry composition by introducing additive is also an effective approach to tailor the microstructure of the anode support. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which is a common applied polymer additive, was selected to fabricate the YSZ-NiO anode supports. The effect of molecular weight and amount of PEG additive on the thermodynamics of the casting solutions was characterized by measuring the coagulation value. Viscosity of the casting slurries was also measured and the influence of PEG additive on viscosity was studied and discussed. The presence of PEG in the casting slurry can greatly influence the final anode support microstructure. Based on the microstructure result and the measured gas permeation value, two anode supports were selected for cell fabrication. For cell with the anode support fabricated using slurry with PEG additive, a maximum cell power density of 704 mWcm-2 is obtained at 750 oC with humidified hydrogen as fuel and ambient air as oxidant; cell fabricated without any PEG additive shows the peak cell power density of 331 mWcm-2. The relationship between anode microstructure and cell performance was discussed. Anode-supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (MT-SOFCs) based on BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O 3-delta (BZCYYb) proton-conducting electrolyte have been prepared using a phase inversion method. Three sulfur-free polymer binder candidates ethyl cellulose (EC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyetherimide (PEI) and sulfur-containing polythersulfone (PESf) were used as polymer binders to fabricate NiO-BZCYYb anode. The overall influence of polymer binder on the anode supports was evaluated. Sulfide impurity generated from PESf was revealed by XRD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The difference in the anode microstructure for samples fabricated by different polymer binders was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analyzed by measuring the gas permeation data of the reduced samples. Single cells based on different anode supports were characterized in anode-supported MT-SOFCs with the cell configuration of Ni-BZCYYb anode, BZCYYb electrolyte and La0.6Sr 0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-delta (LSCF)-BZCYYb cathode at 650 °C using hydrogen as fuel and ambient air as oxidant. MT-SOFCs of the anode fabricated using PEI show maximum power density of 0.45 Wcm -2 compared with 0.35 Wcm-2 for cells fabricated with PESf. The difference in cell performance was attributed to the phase purity of the anode fabricated by different polymer binders. Sulfur-free polymer binder PEI exhibits advantages over the commonly applied PESf and other sulfur-free polymer binder candidates. To eliminate the skin layer formed close to the inner side of the tubular sample when using the phase inversion method. Polyethersulfone (PESf)-polyethylenimine (PEI) blend was employed as the polymer binder to fabricate the micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (MT-SOFCs). The potential impurity introduced in the anode support by the polymer binder was examined by XPS and the resulting novel microstructure was analyzed based on the backscattered electron (BSE) images. Cells fabricated with blend polymer binder showed significantly enhanced power output compared with those cells only fabricated with PEI or PESf. The improved cell performance demonstrated that using blend polymer as binder is a promising and versatile approach for MT-SOFC fabrication via phase inversion method. Finally, to investigate the effect of the anode microstructure on the total cell performance, two types of anode support with different microstructure were prepared via the phase inversion method at different temperature. Cells fabricated based on these two anode supports were tested at 750 °C with hydrogen or hydrogen mixture with fuel gas. The measured current density-voltage (I-V) curves were fitted by a polarization model, and several parameters were archived through the modeling process. The influence of the anode support on the total cell performance was discussed based on the calculated result.

Fabrication Method for Laboratory-Scale High-Performance Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Sassin, Megan B; Garsany, Yannick; Gould, Benjamin D; Swider-Lyons, Karen E

2017-01-03

Custom catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are necessary for the evaluation of advanced electrocatalysts, gas diffusion media (GDM), ionomers, polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs), and electrode structures designed for use in next-generation fuel cells, electrolyzers, or flow batteries. This Feature provides a reliable and reproducible fabrication protocol for laboratory scale (10 cm 2 ) fuel cells based on ultrasonic spray deposition of a standard Pt/carbon electrocatalyst directly onto a perfluorosulfonic acid PEM.

Degradation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell by siloxane in biogas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Ji-Sung; Kim, Da-Yeong; Hwang, Sun-Mi; Seo, Min Ho; Seo, Dong-Jun; Yang, Seung Yong; Han, Chan Hui; Jung, Yong-Min; Guim, Hwanuk; Nahm, Kee Suk; Yoon, Young-Gi; Kim, Tae-Young

2016-06-01

We studied the degradation and durability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) at membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) level by injection of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) as a representative siloxane, which has been found in many industrial and personal products. Specifically, i) GC/MS analysis demonstrated that the ring-opening polymerization of D4 could result in the formation of various linear and cyclic siloxanes in both electrodes of MEA; ii) post-test analysis revealed that the transformed siloxanes were transported from the anode to the cathode via free-volumes in the polymer membrane; iii) RDE measurement and DFT calculation revealed that D4 was not directly responsible for the electrocatalytic activity of Pt; iv) electrochemical analysis demonstrated that the residual methyl groups of siloxane and various siloxanes did not hinder the proton transport in the polymer membrane; and v) siloxanes accumulated in the primary and secondary pores with the exception of an external surface of carbon, causing an increase in the oxygen reactant's resistance and resulting in a decrease of the cell performance. In addition, we confirmed that injection of D4 did not affect the carbon corrosion adversely because the siloxane had little influence on water sorption in the catalyst layer.

Solid-state supercapacitors with ionic liquid based gel polymer electrolyte: Effect of lithium salt addition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, G. P.; Hashmi, S. A.

2013-12-01

Performance characteristics of the solid-state supercapacitors fabricated with ionic liquid (IL) incorporated gel polymer electrolyte and acid treated multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrodes have been studied. The effect of Li-salt (LiPF6) addition in the IL (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tris(pentafluoroethyl) trifluorophosphate, EMImFAP) based gel electrolyte on the performance of supercapacitors has been specifically investigated. The LiPF6/IL/poly(vinylidine fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) gel electrolyte film possesses excellent electrochemical window of 4 V (from -2.0 to 2.0 V), high ionic conductivity ∼2.6 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 20 °C and high enough thermal stability. The comparative performance of supercapacitors employing electrolytes with and without lithium salt has been evaluated by impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetric studies. The acid-treated MWCNT electrodes show specific capacitance of ∼127 F g-1 with IL/LiPF6 containing gel polymer electrolyte as compared to that with the gel polymer electrolyte without Li-salt, showing the value of ∼76 F g-1. The long cycling stability of the solid state supercapacitor based on the Li-salt containing gel polymer electrolyte confirms the electrochemical stability of the electrolyte.

Light-cured polymer electrolytes for safe, low-cost and sustainable sodium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colò, Francesca; Bella, Federico; Nair, Jijeesh R.; Gerbaldi, Claudio

2017-10-01

In this work we present a very simple preparation procedure of a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based crosslinked polymer electrolyte (XPE) for application in sodium-ion batteries (NIBs). The polymer electrolyte, containing NaClO4 as Na+ source, is prepared by rapid, energy saving, solvent-free photopolymerization technique, in a single step. Thermal, mechanical, morphological and electrochemical properties of the resulting XPE are thoroughly investigated. The highly ionic conducting (>1 mS cm-1 at 25 °C) polymer electrolyte is used in a lab-scale sodium cell with nanostructured TiO2 working electrode. The obtained results in terms of ambient temperature cycling behaviour (stable specific capacity of about 250 mAh g-1 at 0.1 mA cm-2 and overall remarkable stability, for a quasi-solid state Na polymer cell, upon very long term cycling exceeding 1000 reversible cycles at 0.5 mA cm-2 corresponding to > 5000 h of continuous operation) demonstrate the promising prospects of this novel XPE to be implemented in the next-generation NIBs conceived for large-scale energy storage systems, such as those connected to photovoltaic and wind factories.

Fuel cell arrangement

DOEpatents

Isenberg, A.O.

1987-05-12

A fuel cell arrangement is provided wherein cylindrical cells of the solid oxide electrolyte type are arranged in planar arrays where the cells within a plane are parallel. Planes of cells are stacked with cells of adjacent planes perpendicular to one another. Air is provided to the interior of the cells through feed tubes which pass through a preheat chamber. Fuel is provided to the fuel cells through a channel in the center of the cell stack; the fuel then passes the exterior of the cells and combines with the oxygen-depleted air in the preheat chamber. 3 figs.

Fuel cell arrangement

DOEpatents

Isenberg, Arnold O.

1987-05-12

A fuel cell arrangement is provided wherein cylindrical cells of the solid oxide electrolyte type are arranged in planar arrays where the cells within a plane are parallel. Planes of cells are stacked with cells of adjacent planes perpendicular to one another. Air is provided to the interior of the cells through feed tubes which pass through a preheat chamber. Fuel is provided to the fuel cells through a channel in the center of the cell stack; the fuel then passes the exterior of the cells and combines with the oxygen-depleted air in the preheat chamber.

Electrorefining process and apparatus for recovery of uranium and a mixture of uranium and plutonium from spent fuels

DOEpatents

Ackerman, John P.; Miller, William E.

1989-01-01

An electrorefining process and apparatus for the recovery of uranium and a mixture of uranium and plutonium from spent fuel using an electrolytic cell having a lower molten cadmium pool containing spent nuclear fuel, an intermediate electrolyte pool, an anode basket containing spent fuel, and two cathodes, the first cathode composed of either a solid alloy or molten cadmium and the second cathode composed of molten cadmium. Using this cell, additional amounts of uranium and plutonium from the anode basket are dissolved in the lower molten cadmium pool, and then substantially pure uranium is electrolytically transported and deposited on the first alloy or molten cadmium cathode. Subsequently, a mixture of uranium and plutonium is electrotransported and deposited on the second molten cadmium cathode.

High power density solid oxide fuel cells

DOEpatents

Pham, Ai Quoc; Glass, Robert S.

2004-10-12

A method for producing ultra-high power density solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The method involves the formation of a multilayer structure cells wherein a buffer layer of doped-ceria is deposited intermediate a zirconia electrolyte and a cobalt iron based electrode using a colloidal spray deposition (CSD) technique. For example, a cobalt iron based cathode composed of (La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O (LSCF) may be deposited on a zirconia electrolyte via a buffer layer of doped-ceria deposited by the CSD technique. The thus formed SOFC have a power density of 1400 mW/cm.sup.2 at 600.degree. C. and 900 mW/cm.sup.2 at 700.degree. C. which constitutes a 2-3 times increased in power density over conventionally produced SOFCs.

SPE (tm) water electrolyzers in support of mission from planet Earth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcelroy, J. F.

1991-01-01

During the 1970's, the Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE) water electrolyzer, which uses ion exchange membranes as its sole electrolyte, was developed for nuclear submarine metabolic oxygen production. SPE water electrolyzer developments included operation at up to 3,000 psia and at current densities in excess of 1,000 amps per square foot. The SPE water electrolyzer system has accumulated tens of thousands of system hours with the Navies of both the United States and the United Kingdom. During the 1980's, the basic SPE water electrolyzer cell structure developed for the Navies was incorporated into several demonstrators for NASA's Space Station Program. Among these were: (1) the SPE regenerative fuel cell for electrical energy storage; (2) the SPE water electrolyzer for metabolic oxygen production; and (3) the high pressure SPE water electrolyzer for reboost propellant production. In the 1990's, emphasis will be the development of SPE water electrolyzers for Mission from Planet Earth. Currently defined potential applications for the SPE water electrolyzer include: (1) SPE water electrolyzers operating at high pressure as part of a regenerative fuel cell extraterrestrial surface energy storage system; (2) SPE water electrolyzers for propellant production from extraterrestrial indigenous materials; and (3) SPE water electrolyzers for metabolic oxygen and potable water production from reclaimed water.

Mitigation of chemical membrane degradation in fuel cells: understanding the effect of cell voltage and iron ion redox cycle.

PubMed

Wong, Ka Hung; Kjeang, Erik

2015-03-01

Chemical membrane degradation through the Fenton's reaction is one of the main lifetime-limiting factors for polymer-electrolyte fuel cells. In this work, a comprehensive, transient membrane degradation model is developed to capture and elucidate the complex in situ degradation mechanism. A redox cycle of iron ions is discovered within the membrane electrolyte assembly, which sustains the Fe(II) concentration and results in the most severe chemical degradation at open circuit voltage. The cycle strength is critically reduced at lower cell voltages, which leads to an exponential decrease in Fe(II) concentration and associated membrane degradation rate. When the cell voltage is held below 0.7 V, a tenfold reduction in cumulative fluoride release is achieved, which suggests that intermediate cell voltage operation would efficiently mitigate chemical membrane degradation and extend the fuel cell lifetime. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A highly durable fuel cell electrocatalyst based on double-polymer-coated carbon nanotubes

PubMed Central

Berber, Mohamed R.; Hafez, Inas H.; Fujigaya, Tsuyohiko; Nakashima, Naotoshi

2015-01-01

Driven by the demand for the commercialization of fuel cell (FC) technology, we describe the design and fabrication of a highly durable FC electrocatalyst based on double-polymer-coated carbon nanotubes for use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The fabricated electrocatalyst is composed of Pt-deposited polybenzimidazole-coated carbon nanotubes, which are further coated with Nafion. By using this electrocatalyst, a high FC performance with a power density of 375 mW/cm2 (at 70 ˚C, 50% relative humidity using air (cathode)/H2(anode)) was obtained, and a remarkable durability of 500,000 accelerated potential cycles was recorded with only a 5% loss of the initial FC potential and 20% loss of the maximum power density, which were far superior properties compared to those of the membrane electrode assembly prepared using carbon black in place of the carbon nanotubes. The present study indicates that the prepared highly durable fuel cell electrocatalyst is a promising material for the next generation of PEMFCs. PMID:26594045

A highly durable fuel cell electrocatalyst based on double-polymer-coated carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Berber, Mohamed R; Hafez, Inas H; Fujigaya, Tsuyohiko; Nakashima, Naotoshi

2015-11-23

Driven by the demand for the commercialization of fuel cell (FC) technology, we describe the design and fabrication of a highly durable FC electrocatalyst based on double-polymer-coated carbon nanotubes for use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The fabricated electrocatalyst is composed of Pt-deposited polybenzimidazole-coated carbon nanotubes, which are further coated with Nafion. By using this electrocatalyst, a high FC performance with a power density of 375 mW/cm(2) (at 70 ˚C, 50% relative humidity using air (cathode)/H2(anode)) was obtained, and a remarkable durability of 500,000 accelerated potential cycles was recorded with only a 5% loss of the initial FC potential and 20% loss of the maximum power density, which were far superior properties compared to those of the membrane electrode assembly prepared using carbon black in place of the carbon nanotubes. The present study indicates that the prepared highly durable fuel cell electrocatalyst is a promising material for the next generation of PEMFCs.

Validating the technological feasibility of yttria-stabilized zirconia-based semiconducting-ionic composite in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Yixiao; Wang, Baoyuan; Wang, Yi; Xia, Chen; Qiao, Jinli; van Aken, Peter A.; Zhu, Bin; Lund, Peter

2018-04-01

YSZ as the electrolyte of choice has dominated the progressive development of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technologies for many years. To enable SOFCs operating at intermediate temperatures of 600 °C or below, major technical advances were built on a foundation of a thin-film YSZ electrolyte, NiO anode, and perovskite cathode, e.g. La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ (LSCF). Inspired by functionalities in engineered heterostructure interfaces, the present work uses the components from state-of-the-art SOFCs, i.e, the anode NiO-YSZ and the cathode LSCF-YSZ, or the convergence of all three components, i.e., NiO-YSZ-LSCF, to fabricate semiconductor-ionic membranes (SIMs) and devices. A series of proof-of-concept fuel cell devices are designed by using each of the above SIMs sandwiched between two semiconducting Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05LiO2-δ (NCAL) layers. We systematically compare these novel designs at 600 °C with two reference fuel cells: a commercial product of anode-supported YSZ electrolyte thin-film cell, and a lab-assembled fuel cell with a conventional configuration of NiO-YSZ (anode)/YSZ (electrolyte)/LSCF-YSZ (cathode). In comparison to the reference cells, the SIM device in a configuration of NCAL/NiO-YSZ-LSCF/NCAL reaches more than 3-fold enhancement of the maximum power output. By using spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy approaches, this work offers insight into the mechanisms underlying SIM-associated SOFC performance enhancement.

Releasing metal catalysts via phase transition: (NiO)0.05-(SrTi0.8Nb0.2O3)0.95 as a redox stable anode material for solid oxide fuel cells.

PubMed

Xiao, Guoliang; Wang, Siwei; Lin, Ye; Zhang, Yanxiang; An, Ke; Chen, Fanglin

2014-11-26

Donor-doped perovskite-type SrTiO3 experiences stoichiometric changes at high temperatures in different Po2 involving the formation of Sr or Ti-rich impurities. NiO is incorporated into the stoichiometric strontium titanate, SrTi0.8Nb0.2O3-δ (STN), to form an A-site deficient perovskite material, (NiO)0.05-(SrTi0.8Nb0.2O3)0.95 (Ni-STN), for balancing the phase transition. Metallic Ni nanoparticles can be released upon reduction instead of forming undesired secondary phases. This material design introduces a simple catalytic modification method with good compositional control of the ceramic backbones, by which transport property and durability of solid oxide fuel cell anodes are largely determined. Using Ni-STN as anodes for solid oxide fuel cells, enhanced catalytic activity and remarkable stability in redox cycling have been achieved. Electrolyte-supported cells with the cell configuration of Ni-STN-SDC anode, La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.87Mg0.13O3 (LSGM) electrolyte, and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF) cathode produce peak power densities of 612, 794, and 922 mW cm(-2) at 800, 850, and 900 °C, respectively, using H2 as the fuel and air as the oxidant. Minor degradation in fuel cell performance resulted from redox cycling can be recovered upon operating the fuel cells in H2. Such property makes Ni-STN a promising regenerative anode candidate for solid oxide fuel cells.

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells for transportation applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Springer, T.E.; Wilson, M.S.; Garzon, F.H.

1993-01-01

The application of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) as a primary power source in electric vehicles has received incrming attention during the last few years. This increased attention has been fueled by a combination of significant technical advances in this field and by the initiation of some projects for the demonstration of a complete, PEFC-based power system in a bus or in a passenger car. Such demonstration pretieds reflect an increased faith of industry in the potential of this technology for transportation applications, or, at least, in the need for a detailed evaluation of this potential Nevertheless, large scalemore » transportation applications of PEFCs requim a continued concerted effort of research on catalysis, materials and components, combined with the engineering efforts addressing the complete power system. This is required to achieve cost effective, highly performing PEFC stack and power system. We describe in this contribution some recent results of work performed within the Core Research PEFC Program at Los Alamos National Laboratory, which has addressed transportation applications of PEFCs.« less

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells for transportation applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Springer, T.E.; Wilson, M.S.; Garzon, F.H.

1993-03-01

The application of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) as a primary power source in electric vehicles has received incrming attention during the last few years. This increased attention has been fueled by a combination of significant technical advances in this field and by the initiation of some projects for the demonstration of a complete, PEFC-based power system in a bus or in a passenger car. Such demonstration pretieds reflect an increased faith of industry in the potential of this technology for transportation applications, or, at least, in the need for a detailed evaluation of this potential Nevertheless, large scalemore » transportation applications of PEFCs requim a continued concerted effort of research on catalysis, materials and components, combined with the engineering efforts addressing the complete power system. This is required to achieve cost effective, highly performing PEFC stack and power system. We describe in this contribution some recent results of work performed within the Core Research PEFC Program at Los Alamos National Laboratory, which has addressed transportation applications of PEFCs.« less

Nafion/silane nanocomposite membranes for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell.

PubMed

Ghi, Lee Jin; Park, Na Ri; Kim, Moon Sung; Rhee, Hee Woo

2011-07-01

The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been studied actively for both potable and stationary applications because it can offer high power density and be used only hydrogen and oxygen as environment-friendly fuels. Nafion which is widely used has mechanical and chemical stabilities as well as high conductivity. However, there is a drawback that it can be useless at high temperatures (> or = 90 degrees C) because proton conducting mechanism cannot work above 100 degrees C due to dehydration of membrane. Therefore, PEMFC should be operated for long-term at high temperatures continuously. In this study, we developed nanocomposite membrane using stable properties of Nafion and phosphonic acid groups which made proton conducting mechanism without water. 3-Aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) was used to replace sulfonic acid groups of Nafion and then its aminopropyl group was chemically modified to phosphonic acid groups. The nanocomposite membrane showed very high conductivity (approximately 0.02 S/cm at 110 degrees C, <30% RH).

Surface-protected LiCoO2 with ultrathin solid oxide electrolyte film for high-voltage lithium ion batteries and lithium polymer batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Qi; Huang, Jie; Li, Yejing; Wang, Yi; Qiu, Jiliang; Zhang, Jienan; Yu, Huigen; Yu, Xiqian; Li, Hong; Chen, Liquan

2018-06-01

Surface modification of LiCoO2 with the ultrathin film of solid state electrolyte of Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3 (LATP) has been realized by a new and facile solution-based method. The coated LiCoO2 reveals enhanced structural and electrochemical stability at high voltage (4.5 V vs Li+/Li) in half-cell with liquid electrolyte. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that a dense LATP coating layer is covered on the surface of LiCoO2 uniformly with thickness of less than 20 nm. The LATP coating layer is proven to be able to prevent the direct contact between the cathode and the electrolyte effectively and thus to suppress the side reactions of liquid electrolyte with LiCoO2 surface at high charging voltage. As a result, dissolution of Co3+ has been largely suppressed over prolonged cycling as indicated by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Due to this surface passivating feature, the electrochemical performance of 0.5 wt% LATP modified LiCoO2 has also been evaluated in an all solid lithium battery with poly(ethylene oxide)-based polymer electrolyte. The cell exhibits 93% discharge capacity retention of the initial discharge capacity after 50 cycles at the charging cut-off voltage of 4.2 V, suggesting that the LATP coating layer is effective to suppress the oxidation of PEO at high voltage.

Solid polymer battery electrolyte and reactive metal-water battery

DOEpatents

Harrup, Mason K.; Peterson, Eric S.; Stewart, Frederick F.

2000-01-01

In one implementation, a reactive metal-water battery includes an anode comprising a metal in atomic or alloy form selected from the group consisting of periodic table Group 1A metals, periodic table Group 2A metals and mixtures thereof. The battery includes a cathode comprising water. Such also includes a solid polymer electrolyte comprising a polyphosphazene comprising ligands bonded with a phosphazene polymer backbone. The ligands comprise an aromatic ring containing hydrophobic portion and a metal ion carrier portion. The metal ion carrier portion is bonded at one location with the polymer backbone and at another location with the aromatic ring containing hydrophobic portion. The invention also contemplates such solid polymer electrolytes use in reactive metal/water batteries, and in any other battery.

Fluorine-free electrolytes for all-solid sodium-ion batteries based on percyano-substituted organic salts

PubMed Central

Bitner-Michalska, Anna; Nolis, Gene M.; Żukowska, Grażyna; Zalewska, Aldona; Poterała, Marcin; Trzeciak, Tomasz; Dranka, Maciej; Kalita, Michał; Jankowski, Piotr; Niedzicki, Leszek; Zachara, Janusz; Marcinek, Marek; Wieczorek, Władysław

2017-01-01

A new family of fluorine-free solid-polymer electrolytes, for use in sodium-ion battery applications, is presented. Three novel sodium salts withdiffuse negative charges: sodium pentacyanopropenide (NaPCPI), sodium 2,3,4,5-tetracyanopirolate (NaTCP) and sodium 2,4,5-tricyanoimidazolate (NaTIM) were designed andtested in a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix as polymer electrolytes for anall-solid sodium-ion battery. Due to unique, non-covalent structural configurations of anions, improved ionic conductivities were observed. As an example, “liquid-like” high conductivities (>1 mS cm−1) were obtained above 70 °C for solid-polymer electrolyte with a PEO to NaTCP molar ratio of 16:1. All presented salts showed high thermal stability and suitable windows of electrochemical stability between 3 and 5 V. These new anions open a new class of compounds with non-covalent structure for electrolytes system applications. PMID:28067301

Fluorine-free electrolytes for all-solid sodium-ion batteries based on percyano-substituted organic salts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bitner-Michalska, Anna; Nolis, Gene M.; Żukowska, Grażyna; Zalewska, Aldona; Poterała, Marcin; Trzeciak, Tomasz; Dranka, Maciej; Kalita, Michał; Jankowski, Piotr; Niedzicki, Leszek; Zachara, Janusz; Marcinek, Marek; Wieczorek, Władysław

2017-01-01

A new family of fluorine-free solid-polymer electrolytes, for use in sodium-ion battery applications, is presented. Three novel sodium salts withdiffuse negative charges: sodium pentacyanopropenide (NaPCPI), sodium 2,3,4,5-tetracyanopirolate (NaTCP) and sodium 2,4,5-tricyanoimidazolate (NaTIM) were designed andtested in a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix as polymer electrolytes for anall-solid sodium-ion battery. Due to unique, non-covalent structural configurations of anions, improved ionic conductivities were observed. As an example, “liquid-like” high conductivities (>1 mS cm-1) were obtained above 70 °C for solid-polymer electrolyte with a PEO to NaTCP molar ratio of 16:1. All presented salts showed high thermal stability and suitable windows of electrochemical stability between 3 and 5 V. These new anions open a new class of compounds with non-covalent structure for electrolytes system applications.

Tubular solid oxide fuel cells with porous metal supports and ceramic interconnections

DOEpatents

Huang, Kevin [Export, PA; Ruka, Roswell J [Pittsburgh, PA

2012-05-08

An intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell structure capable of operating at from 600.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. having a very thin porous hollow elongated metallic support tube having a thickness from 0.10 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.10 mm to 0.35 mm, a porosity of from 25 vol. % to 50 vol. % and a tensile strength from 700 GPa to 900 GPa, which metallic tube supports a reduced thickness air electrode having a thickness from 0.010 mm to 0.2 mm, a solid oxide electrolyte, a cermet fuel electrode, a ceramic interconnection and an electrically conductive cell to cell contact layer.

High ionic conductivity P(VDF-TrFE)/PEO blended polymer electrolytes for solid electrochromic devices.

PubMed

Nguyen, Chien A; Xiong, Shanxin; Ma, Jan; Lu, Xuehong; Lee, Pooi See

2011-08-07

Solid polymer electrolytes with excellent ionic conductivity (above 10(-4) S cm(-1)), which result in high optical modulation for solid electrochromic (EC) devices are presented. The combination of a polar host matrix poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) P(VDF-TrFE) and a solid plasticized of a low molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) (M(w)≤ 20,000) blended polymer electrolyte serves to enhance both the dissolution of lithium salt and the ionic transport. Calorimetric measurement shows a reduced crystallization due to a better intermixing of the polymers with small molecular weight PEO. Vibrational spectroscopy identifies the presence of free ions and ion pairs in the electrolytes with PEO of M(w)≤ 8000. The ionic dissolution is improved using PEO as a plasticizer when compared to liquid propylene carbonate, evidently shown in the transference number analysis. Ionic transport follows the Arrhenius equation with a low activation energy (0.16-0.2 eV), leading to high ionic conductivities. Solid electrochromic devices fabricated with the blended P(VDF-TrFE)/PEO electrolytes and polyaniline show good spectroelectrochemical performance in the visible (300-800 nm) and near-infrared (0.9-2.4 μm) regions with a modulation up to 60% and fast switching speed of below 20 seconds. The successful introduction of the solid polymer electrolytes with its best harnessed qualities helps to expedite the application of various electrochemical devices. This journal is © the Owner Societies 2011

'All-solid-state' electrochemistry of a protein-confined polymer electrolyte film

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Parthasarathy, Meera; Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.; Mulla, Imtiaz S.

2007-12-07

Interfacial redox behavior of a heme protein (hemoglobin) confined in a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, Nafion (a perfluoro sulfonic acid ionomer) is investigated using a unique 'all-solid-state' electrochemical methodology. The supple phase-separated structure of the polymer electrolyte membrane, with hydrophilic pools containing solvated protons and water molecules, is found to preserve the incorporated protein in its active form even in the solid-state, using UV-visible, Fluorescence (of Tryptophan and Tyrosine residues) and DRIFT (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform) spectroscopy. More specifically, solid-state cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance of the protein-incorporated polymer films reveal that the Fe{sup 2+}-form of the entrapped proteinmore » is found to bind molecular oxygen more strongly than the native protein. In the 'all-solid-state' methodology, as there is no need to dip the protein-modified electrode in a liquid electrolyte (like the conventional electrochemical methods), it offers an easier means to study a number of proteins in a variety of polymer matrices (even biomimetic assemblies). In addition, the results of the present investigation could find interesting application in a variety of research disciplines, in addition to its fundamental scientific interest, including protein biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomimetic chemistry.« less

Sensor apparatus using an electrochemical cell

DOEpatents

Thakur, Mrinal

2002-01-01

A novel technology for sensing mechanical quantities such as force, stress, strain, pressure and acceleration has been invented. This technology is based on a change in the electrochemically generated voltage (electromotive force) with application of force, stress, strain, pressure or acceleration. The change in the voltage is due to a change in the internal resistance of the electrochemical cell with a change in the relative position or orientation of the electrodes (anode and cathode) in the cell. The signal to be detected (e.g. force, stress, strain, pressure or acceleration) is applied to one of the electrodes to cause a change in the relative position or orientation between the electrodes. Various materials, solid, semisolid, gel, paste or liquid can be utilized as the electrolyte. The electrolyte must be an ion conductor. The examples of solid electrolytes include specific polymer conductors, polymer composites, ion conducting glasses and ceramics. The electrodes are made of conductors such as metals with dissimilar electronegativities. Significantly enhanced sensitivities, up to three orders of magnitude higher than that of comparable commercial sensors, are obtained. The materials are substantially less expensive than commercially used materials for mechanical sensors.

Fuel cell stack with passive air supply

DOEpatents

Ren, Xiaoming; Gottesfeld, Shimshon

2006-01-17

A fuel cell stack has a plurality of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) where each PEFC includes a rectangular membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having a fuel flow field along a first axis and an air flow field along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, where the fuel flow field is long relative to the air flow field. A cathode air flow field in each PEFC has air flow channels for air flow parallel to the second axis and that directly open to atmospheric air for air diffusion within the channels into contact with the MEA.

Effect of fabrication parameters on coating properties of tubular solid oxide fuel cell electrolyte prepared by vacuum slurry coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, Hui-Jeong; Song, Rak-Hyun; Lim, Tak-Hyoung; Lee, Seung-Bok; Kim, Sung-Hyun; Shin, Dong-Ryul

The process of vacuum slurry coating for the fabrication of a dense and thin electrolyte film on a porous anode tube is investigated for application in solid oxide fuel cells. 8 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia is coated on an anode tube by vacuum slurry-coating process as a function of pre-sintering temperature of the anode tube, vacuum pressure, slurry concentration, number of coats, and immersion time. A dense electrolyte layer is formed on the anode tube after final sintering at 1400 °C. With decrease in the pre-sintering temperature of the anode tube, the grain size of the coated electrolyte layer increases and the number of surface pores in the coating layer decreases. This is attributed to a reduced difference in the respective shrinkage of the anode tube and the electrolyte layer. The thickness of the coated electrolyte layer increases with the content of solid powder in the slurry, the number of dip-coats, and the immersion time. Although vacuum pressure has no great influence on the electrolyte thickness, higher vacuum produces a denser coating layer, as confirmed by low gas permeability and a reduced number of defects in the coating layer. A single cell with the vacuum slurry coated electrolyte shows a good performance of 620 mW cm -2 (0.7 V) at 750 °C. These experimental results indicate that the vacuum slurry-coating process is an effective method to fabricate a dense thin film on a porous anode support.

N-doped carbon nanomaterials are durable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic fuel cells

PubMed Central

Shui, Jianglan; Wang, Min; Du, Feng; Dai, Liming

2015-01-01

The availability of low-cost, efficient, and durable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a prerequisite for commercialization of the fuel cell technology. Along with intensive research efforts of more than half a century in developing nonprecious metal catalysts (NPMCs) to replace the expensive and scarce platinum-based catalysts, a new class of carbon-based, low-cost, metal-free ORR catalysts was demonstrated to show superior ORR performance to commercial platinum catalysts, particularly in alkaline electrolytes. However, their large-scale practical application in more popular acidic polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells remained elusive because they are often found to be less effective in acidic electrolytes, and no attempt has been made for a single PEM cell test. We demonstrated that rationally designed, metal-free, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and their graphene composites exhibited significantly better long-term operational stabilities and comparable gravimetric power densities with respect to the best NPMC in acidic PEM cells. This work represents a major breakthrough in removing the bottlenecks to translate low-cost, metal-free, carbon-based ORR catalysts to commercial reality, and opens avenues for clean energy generation from affordable and durable fuel cells. PMID:26601132

N-doped carbon nanomaterials are durable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic fuel cells.

PubMed

Shui, Jianglan; Wang, Min; Du, Feng; Dai, Liming

2015-02-01

The availability of low-cost, efficient, and durable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a prerequisite for commercialization of the fuel cell technology. Along with intensive research efforts of more than half a century in developing nonprecious metal catalysts (NPMCs) to replace the expensive and scarce platinum-based catalysts, a new class of carbon-based, low-cost, metal-free ORR catalysts was demonstrated to show superior ORR performance to commercial platinum catalysts, particularly in alkaline electrolytes. However, their large-scale practical application in more popular acidic polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells remained elusive because they are often found to be less effective in acidic electrolytes, and no attempt has been made for a single PEM cell test. We demonstrated that rationally designed, metal-free, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and their graphene composites exhibited significantly better long-term operational stabilities and comparable gravimetric power densities with respect to the best NPMC in acidic PEM cells. This work represents a major breakthrough in removing the bottlenecks to translate low-cost, metal-free, carbon-based ORR catalysts to commercial reality, and opens avenues for clean energy generation from affordable and durable fuel cells.

High-performance Fuel Cell with Stretched Catalyst-Coated Membrane: One-step Formation of Cracked Electrode

PubMed Central

Kim, Sang Moon; Ahn, Chi-Yeong; Cho, Yong-Hun; Kim, Sungjun; Hwang, Wonchan; Jang, Segeun; Shin, Sungsoo; Lee, Gunhee; Sung, Yung-Eun; Choi, Mansoo

2016-01-01

We have achieved performance enhancement of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) though crack generation on its electrodes. It is the first attempt to enhance the performance of PEMFC by using cracks which are generally considered as defects. The pre-defined, cracked electrode was generated by stretching a catalyst-coated Nafion membrane. With the strain-stress property of the membrane that is unique in the aspect of plastic deformation, membrane electrolyte assembly (MEA) was successfully incorporated into the fuel cell. Cracked electrodes with the variation of strain were investigated and electrochemically evaluated. Remarkably, mechanical stretching of catalyst-coated Nafion membrane led to a decrease in membrane resistance and an improvement in mass transport, which resulted in enhanced device performance. PMID:27210793

Unraveling micro- and nanoscale degradation processes during operation of high-temperature polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hengge, K.; Heinzl, C.; Perchthaler, M.; Varley, D.; Lochner, T.; Scheu, C.

2017-10-01

The work in hand presents an electron microscopy based in-depth study of micro- and nanoscale degradation processes that take place during the operation of high-temperature polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). Carbon supported Pt particles were used as cathodic catalyst material and the bimetallic, carbon supported Pt/Ru system was applied as anode. As membrane, cross-linked polybenzimidazole was used. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of cross-sections of as-prepared and long-term operated membrane-electrode-assemblies revealed insight into micrometer scale degradation processes: operation-caused catalyst redistribution and thinning of the membrane and electrodes. Transmission electron microscopy investigations were performed to unravel the nanometer scale phenomena: a band of Pt and Pt/Ru nanoparticles was detected in the membrane adjacent to the cathode catalyst layer. Quantification of the elemental composition of several individual nanoparticles and the overall band area revealed that they stem from both anode and cathode catalyst layers. The results presented do not demonstrate any catastrophic failure but rather intermediate states during fuel cell operation and indications to proceed with targeted HT-PEMFC optimization.

Effect of clamping pressure on ohmic resistance and compression of gas diffusion layers for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mason, Thomas J.; Millichamp, Jason; Neville, Tobias P.; El-kharouf, Ahmad; Pollet, Bruno G.; Brett, Daniel J. L.

2012-12-01

This paper describes the use of an in situ analytical technique based on simultaneous displacement and resistance measurement of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) used in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), when exposed to varying compaction pressure. In terms of the losses within fuel cells, the ohmic loss makes up a significant portion. Of this loss, the contact resistance between the GDL and the bipolar plate (BPP) is an important constituent. By analysing the change in thickness and ohmic resistance of GDLs under compression, important mechanical and electrical properties are obtained. Derived parameters such as the 'displacement factor' are used to characterise a representative range of commercial GDLs. Increasing compaction pressure leads to a non-linear decrease in resistance for all GDLs. For Toray paper, compaction becomes more irreversible with pressure with no elastic region observed. Different GDLs have different intrinsic resistance; however, all GDLs of the same class share a common compaction profile (change in resistance with pressure). Cyclic compression of Toray GDL leads to progressive improvement in resistance and reduction in thickness that stabilises after ∼10 cycles.

Proton conduction of polyAMPS brushes on titanate nanotubes

PubMed Central

Feng, Jun; Huang, Yaqin; Tu, Zhengkai; Zhang, Haining; Pan, Mu; Tang, Haolin

2014-01-01

Proton conducting materials having reasonable proton conductivity at low humidification conditions are critical for decrease in system complexity and improvement of power density for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. This study shows that polyelectrolyte brushes on titanate nanotubes formed through surface-initiated free radical polymerization exhibit less humidity-dependent proton conduction because of the high grafting density of polymer electrolyte chains and well-distribution of ionic groups. The results described in this study provide an idea for design of new proton conductors with effective ion transport served at relatively low humidification levels. PMID:25169431

Flexible poly(ethylene carbonate)/garnet composite solid electrolyte reinforced by poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) for lithium metal batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Zijian; Chen, Long; Zhang, Bochen; Liu, Yongchang; Fan, Li-Zhen

2018-07-01

Solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductivities, great flexibility, and easy processability are needed for high-performance solid-state rechargeable lithium batteries. In this work, we synthesize nanosized cubic Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) by solution combustion method and develop a flexible garnet-based composite solid electrolyte composed of LLZO, poly(ethylene carbonate) (PEC), poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VdF-HFP) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI)). In the flexible composite solid electrolytes, LLZO nanoparticles, as ceramic matrix, have a positive effect on ionic conductivities and lithium ion transference number (tLi+). PEC, as a fast ion-conducting polymer, possesses high tLi+ inherently. P(VdF-HFP), as a binder, can strengthen mechanical properties. Consequently, the as-prepared composite solid electrolyte demonstrates high tLi+ (0.82) and superb thermal stability (remaining LLZO matrix after burning). All-solid-state LiFePO4|Li cells assembled with the flexible composite solid electrolyte deliver a high initial discharge specific capacity of 121.4 mAh g-1 and good cycling stability at 55 °C.

Development of porous carbon foam polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jin; Cunningham, Nicolas

In order to prove the feasibility of using porous carbon foam material in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), a single PEMFC is constructed with a piece of 80PPI (pores per linear inch) Reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC) foam at a thickness of 3.5 mm employed in the cathode flow-field. The cell performance of such design is compared with that of a conventional fuel cell with serpentine channel design in the cathode and anode flow-fields. Experimental results show that the RVC foam fuel cell not only produces comparative power density to, but also offers interesting benefits over the conventional fuel cell. A 250 h long term test conducted on a RVC foam fuel cell shows that the durability and performance stability of the material is deemed to be acceptable. Furthermore, a parametric study is conducted on single RVC foam fuel cells. Effect of geometrical and material parameters of the RVC foam such as PPI and thickness and operating conditions such as pressure, temperature, and stoichiometric ratio of the reactant gases on the cell performance is experimentally investigated in detail. The single cell with the 80PPI RVC foam exhibits the best performance, especially if the thinnest foam (3.5 mm) is used. The cell performance improves with increasing the operating gauge pressure from 0 kPa to 80 kPa and the operating temperature from 40 °C to 60 °C, but deteriorates as it further increases to 80 °C. The cell performance improves as the stoichiometric ratio of air increases from 1.5 to 4.5; however, the improvement becomes marginal when it is raised above 3.0. On the other hand, changing the stoichiometric ratio of hydrogen does not have a significant impact on the cell performance.

Facile and scalable fabrication of polymer-ceramic composite electrolyte with high ceramic loadings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandian, Amaresh Samuthira; Chen, X. Chelsea; Chen, Jihua; Lokitz, Bradley S.; Ruther, Rose E.; Yang, Guang; Lou, Kun; Nanda, Jagjit; Delnick, Frank M.; Dudney, Nancy J.

2018-06-01

Solid state electrolytes are a promising alternative to flammable liquid electrolytes for high-energy lithium battery applications. In this work polymer-ceramic composite electrolyte membrane with high ceramic loading (greater than 60 vol%) is fabricated using a model polymer electrolyte poly(ethylene oxide) + lithium trifluoromethane sulfonate and a lithium-conducting ceramic powder. The effects of processing methods, choice of plasticizer and varying composition on ionic conductivity of the composite electrolyte are thoroughly investigated. The physical, structural and thermal properties of the composites are exhaustively characterized. We demonstrate that aqueous spray coating followed by hot pressing is a scalable and inexpensive technique to obtain composite membranes that are amazingly dense and uniform. The ionic conductivity of composites fabricated using this protocol is at least one order of magnitude higher than those made by dry milling and solution casting. The introduction of tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether further increases the ionic conductivity. The composite electrolyte's interfacial compatibility with metallic lithium and good cyclability is verified by constructing lithium symmetrical cells. A remarkable Li+ transference number of 0.79 is discovered for the composite electrolyte.

Stability study of cermet-supported solid oxide fuel cells with bi-layered electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xinge; Gazzarri, Javier; Robertson, Mark; Decès-Petit, Cyrille; Kesler, Olivera

Performance and stability of five cermet-supported button-type solid oxide fuel cells featuring a bi-layered electrolyte (SSZ/SDC), an SSC cathode, and a Ni-SSZ anode, were analyzed using polarization curves, impedance spectroscopy, and post-mortem SEM observation. The cell performance degradation at 650 °C in H 2/air both with and without DC bias conditions was manifested primarily as an increase in polarization resistance, approximately at a rate of 2.3 mΩ cm 2 h -1 at OCV, suggesting a decrease in electrochemical kinetics as the main phenomenon responsible for the performance decay. In addition, the initial series resistance was about ten times higher than the calculated resistance corresponding to the electrolyte, reflecting a possible inter-reaction between the electrolyte layers that occurred during the sintering stage. In situ and ex situ sintered cathodes showed no obvious difference in cell performance or decay rate. The stability of the cells with and without electrical load was also investigated and no significant influence of DC bias was recorded. Based on the experimental results presented, we preliminarily attribute the performance degradation to electrochemical and microstructural degradation of the cathode.

Fuel cell water transport

DOEpatents

Vanderborgh, Nicholas E.; Hedstrom, James C.

1990-01-01

The moisture content and temperature of hydrogen and oxygen gases is regulated throughout traverse of the gases in a fuel cell incorporating a solid polymer membrane. At least one of the gases traverses a first flow field adjacent the solid polymer membrane, where chemical reactions occur to generate an electrical current. A second flow field is located sequential with the first flow field and incorporates a membrane for effective water transport. A control fluid is then circulated adjacent the second membrane on the face opposite the fuel cell gas wherein moisture is either transported from the control fluid to humidify a fuel gas, e.g., hydrogen, or to the control fluid to prevent excess water buildup in the oxidizer gas, e.g., oxygen. Evaporation of water into the control gas and the control gas temperature act to control the fuel cell gas temperatures throughout the traverse of the fuel cell by the gases.

Preparation of redox polymer cathodes for thin film rechargeable batteries

DOEpatents

Skotheim, T.A.; Lee, H.S.; Okamoto, Yoshiyuki.

1994-11-08

The present invention relates to the manufacture of thin film solid state electrochemical devices using composite cathodes comprising a redox polymer capable of undergoing oxidation and reduction, a polymer solid electrolyte and conducting carbon. The polymeric cathode material is formed as a composite of radiation crosslinked polymer electrolytes and radiation crosslinked redox polymers based on polysiloxane backbones with attached organosulfur side groups capable of forming sulfur-sulfur bonds during electrochemical oxidation.

Further optimization of barium cerate properties via co-doping strategy for potential application as proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cell electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuai; Shen, Jianxing; Zhu, Zhiwen; Wang, Zhihao; Cao, Yanxin; Guan, Xiaoli; Wang, Yueyue; Wei, Zhaoling; Chen, Meina

2018-05-01

Yttrium-doped BaCeO3 is one of the most promising electrolyte candidates for solid oxide fuel cells because of its high ionic conductivity. Nd and Y co-doped BaCeO3 strategy is adopted for the further optimization of Y-doped BaCeO3 electrolyte properties. X-ray diffraction results indicate that the structure of BaCe0.8Y0.2-xNdxO3-δ (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15) with orthorhombic perovskite phase becomes more symmetric with increasing Nd concentration. The scanning electron microscope observation demonstrates that the densification and grain size of the sintered pellets significantly enhance with the increase of Nd doping level. Whether in dry and humid hydrogen or air, the increase of Nd dopant firstly increases the conductivities of BaCe0.8Y0.2-xNdxO3-δ (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15) and then decrease them after reaching the peak value at x = 0.05. Electrochemical impedance spectra at 350 °C can distinguish clearly the contribution of grain and grain boundary to total conductivity and the highest conductivity of BaCe0.8Y0.15Nd0.05O3-δ ascribes to the decrease in bulk and grain boundary resistances due to the synergistic effect of Nd and Y doping. The anode-supported single cell with BaCe0.8Y0.15Nd0.05O3-δ electrolyte shows an encouraging peak power density of 660 mW cm-2 at 700 °C, suggesting that BaCe0.8Y0.15Nd0.05O3-δ is a potential electrolyte material for the highly-efficient proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cell.

Heat and fuel coupled operation of a high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell with a heat exchanger methanol steam reformer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuller, G.; Vázquez, F. Vidal; Waiblinger, W.; Auvinen, S.; Ribeirinha, P.

2017-04-01

In this work a methanol steam reforming (MSR) reactor has been operated thermally coupled to a high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack (HT-PEMFC) utilizing its waste heat. The operating temperature of the coupled system was 180 °C which is significantly lower than the conventional operating temperature of the MSR process which is around 250 °C. A newly designed heat exchanger reformer has been developed by VTT (Technical Research Center of Finland LTD) and was equipped with commercially available CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 (BASF RP-60) catalyst. The liquid cooled, 165 cm2, 12-cell stack used for the measurements was supplied by Serenergy A/S. The off-heat from the electrochemical fuel cell reaction was transferred to the reforming reactor using triethylene glycol (TEG) as heat transfer fluid. The system was operated up to 0.4 A cm-2 generating an electrical power output of 427 Wel. A total stack waste heat utilization of 86.4% was achieved. It has been shown that it is possible to transfer sufficient heat from the fuel cell stack to the liquid circuit in order to provide the needed amount for vaporizing and reforming of the methanol-water-mixture. Furthermore a set of recommendations is given for future system design considerations.

Na3.4Zr1.8Mg0.2Si2PO12 filled poly(ethylene oxide)/Na(CF3SO2)2N as flexible composite polymer electrolyte for solid-state sodium batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhizhen; Xu, Kaiqi; Rong, Xiaohui; Hu, Yong-Sheng; Li, Hong; Huang, Xuejie; Chen, Liquan

2017-12-01

Solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and excellent electrochemical stability are of prime significance to enable the application of solid-state batteries in energy storage and conversion. In this study, solid composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) based on sodium bis(trifluorosulfonyl) imide (NaTFSI) and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) incorporated with active ceramic filler (NASICON) are reported for the first time. With the addition of NASICON fillers, the thermal stability and electrochemical stability of the CPEs are improved. A high conductivity of 2.8 mS/cm (at 80 °C) is readily achieved when the content of the NASICON filler in the composite polymer reaches 50 wt%. Furthermore, Na3V2(PO4)3/CPE/Na solid-state batteries using this composite electrolyte display good rate and excellent cycle performance.

Introducing catalyst in alkaline membrane for improved performance direct borohydride fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Haiying; Lin, Longxia; Chu, Wen; Jiang, Wei; He, Yan; Shi, Qiao; Deng, Yonghong; Ji, Zhenguo; Liu, Jiabin; Tao, Shanwen

2018-01-01

A catalytic material is introduced into the polymer matrix to prepare a novel polymeric alkaline electrolyte membrane (AEM) which simultaneously increases ionic conductivity, reduces the fuel cross-over. In this work, the hydroxide anion exchange membrane is mainly composed of poly(vinylalcohol) and alkaline exchange resin. CoCl2 is added into the poly(vinylalcohol) and alkaline exchange resin gel before casting the membrane to introduce catalytic materials. CoCl2 is converted into CoOOH after the reaction with KOH solution. The crystallinity of the polymer matrix decreases and the ionic conductivity of the composite membrane is notably improved by the introduction of Co-species. A direct borohydride fuel cell using the composite membrane exhibits an open circuit voltage of 1.11 V at 30 °C, which is notably higher than that of cells using other AEMs. The cell using the composite membrane achieves a maximum power density of 283 mW cm-2 at 60 °C while the cell using the membrane without Co-species only reaches 117 mW cm-2 at the same conditions. The outstanding performance of the cell using the composite membrane benefits from impregnation of the catalytic Co-species in the membrane, which not only increases the ionic conductivity but also reduces electrode polarization thus improves the fuel cell performance. This work provides a new approach to develop high-performance fuel cells through adding catalysts in the electrolyte membrane.