High Performance Hydroxyl Conductive Membrane For Advanced Rechargeable Alcaline Batteries

Increasingly, strict environmental regulations, surging energy demand and oil prices, and the proliferation of the internet and electronic devices have given rise to a growing market demand for efficient, clean, and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy. However, the electricity generated from these renewable sources suffers from the drawback of fluctuation. To solve this problem, a low cost, reliable, long life, and efficient electrical energy storage (EES) system is sought to ensure 24/­7 reliability for commercial and residential grid applications. One option is to use alkaline-based rechargeable batteries, such as Ni­MH, provided that issues of performance, safety, and cost effectiveness can be addressed. This project will investigate replacing the aqueous KOH electrolyte with a solid polymer electrolyte. Phase I developed a novel hydroxyl conductive membrane with the following characteristics: (1) high ionic conductivity; (2) good thermal, chemical, and electrochemical stability; (3) scalable for large quantity manufacturing; (4) good compatibility with other cell components; and (5) low cost. Bipolar cell stacks were fabricated with this membrane, and excellent electrochemical performance was obtained. In Phase II, the hydroxyl conductive membrane will be incorporated into a unique bipolar Ni­MH battery. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The membrane not only should find use as the energy storage system for load leveling of electricity generated from renewable sources, but also could be used in Ni­MH batteries that already have been commercialized in hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). In the future, it also could be used as the energy storage device in plug-­in HEVs