Novel Reinforced Anion Exchange Membranes for Solar-to-Hydrogen Generators

The assembly of photoelectrochemical solar-to-hydrogen generators is currently limited by the availability of several key components, including ion exchange membranes that exhibit the transport and stability properties required for this application. Anion exchange membranes with high hydroxyl ion conductivity and extremely low permeability for hydrogen and oxygen gases, and high mechanical strength and chemical stability are sought by DOE for solar-to-hydrogen generator applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a novel high-performance anion exchange membrane for solar-to-hydrogen generator applications based on the current state-of-the-art anion conducting ionomers having the highest hydroxyl ion conductivity with a novel reinforcement approach by integration of an intriguing reinforcement support. The Phase I work will involve preparation and optimization of the reinforced anion exchange membrane. The new membrane will be systematically characterized in terms of microstructural features, chemical stability, mechanical durability, and relevant electrochemical properties including hydroxyl ion conductivity, hydrogen and oxygen permeability, and dimensional stability. The Phase I work will also include bench-top evaluation of key performance characteristics for solar-to-hydrogen generation. The expected product of the present effort is a new reinforced anion exchange membrane that critically determines performance of photoelectrochemical cells for solar fuels generators. Ion exchange membrane is also the key component in many other energy generation, conversion or storage systems, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, and redox flow batteries. The demand for ion exchange membranes used in such energy systems is very high and keeps increasing in the future.