SBIR Phase I: Design of New Polymeric Composites for Proton Exchange Membranes

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will design and synthesis of a new family of polymer composites tailored for the fabrication of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) to be used in fuel cell applications. The novel PEMs, based on a new family of polymeric composites, are expected to surpass state-of-the-art Nafion.-type PEMs in general fuel cell applications, and to have all the properties needed to allow the development of the next generation of H2 and methanol fuel cells. The energy and transportation industry is quickly recognizing fuel cells as the leading technology in an upcoming revolution in energy production systems. The market accessible to fuel cell applications is simply gigantic, ranging from personal electronics and car design to portable and stationary power generators. Superior fuel cell systems are needed to penetrate deeply in those markets and superior fuel cell systems is exactly what the project will enable if successful.