Highly Proton-Conducting Inorganic Membrane From Functionalized POMs

The proposed research is to develop highly proton conductive and thermally stable inorganic electrolyte for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) based on functionalized POM membrane. POM has been proven to have high room temperature protonconductivity (0.17S/cm) and much lower cost than Nafion. Main drawback of POM is poor film forming capability and high solubility in water. Its conductivity is also sensitive to humidity and temperature. Functionalized POM inorganic polymeric network(1) will provide POM with membrane forming capability. (2) the ionic conductivity will be further improved, because anions are integrated into network backbone and thus immobilized; protons are the only movable ions in the polymeric system. Theconductivity will be competitive with state-of-art PEMs. (3) hydrates form hydrogen bond with bridge ligand and polymeric network, therefore hydrates can be stabilized and protected to higher temperature. No water management system is needed to achievehigh proton conductivity.Developments in fuel cell power sources will have immediate impact on a wide range of commercial power sources from computer power to emergency medical power supplies to recreational power uses. Potential fuel savings by higherefficiency power production via subject technology. Successful research would reduce significantly the cost due to battery consumption in the field.