Non-PFSA Membranes from Sulfonated Polyphenylene Composites for Electrolyzers and Fuel Cells

C56-18k-274059 eSpin Technologies, Inc. in cooperation with Sandia National Laboratories will develop and manufacture a new class of non-PFSA ionomers and proton exchange membranes (PEM). In Phase I, polymer synthesis with a range of uncharged and linear crosslinkable non PFSA polymer will be carried out. Reinforcing nanofiber scaffold will be developed from uncharged robust polymers into which the most conductive, water-insoluble, polymers will be embedded. The reinforcing scaffolds will be fabricated using an electrospinning. Due to their intrinsic high porosity, high specific surface area, and structural similarity with the embedded ionomer of high EW, synergistic effects are expected resulting in improved proton conductivity and mechanical strength of the composite membranes, compared to those of Nafion and other PFSA-type products. The Phase I synthetic work will be performed at both, Sandia and eSpin, while the electrospinning, membrane fabrication and basic membrane characterization (conductivity, swelling, mechanical testing) will be performed at eSpin only. Selected samples will be delivered to a third-party laboratory for validation. The commercial application of the proposed effort will result in a variety of application including PEM electrolyzers, fuel cells, among other. This technology will bring to the market robust and cost- effective hydrogen technology solutions while minimizing PFSA-type materials which are currently used. Up on successful completion, the project will help create green hydrogen economy manufacturing jobs in the United States.