Polyphosphazenes for fuel cell membranes

David K. Lee, Harry R. Allcock, Alan Benesi, Digby Macdonald

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Polyphosphazenes are a class of hybrid inorganic-organic polymer that is being investigated as fuel cell membranes. Polyphosphazenes have an advantage over conventional organic polymers because the inorganic backbone has high thermo-oxidative stability and easily tailored to obtain the desired properties. New synthetic routes have been developed to introduce functional groups, such as sulfonic acid and imidazole, to produce a proton conducting membrane. Our goal is to design and synthesize a superior fuel cell membrane that will optimize proton conduction at high temperatures where conventional fuel cell membranes fail due to dehydration. This is achieved by modifying the side groups and the architecture of the polymer. The conductivity of these membranes will be evaluated at various temperatures and degrees of humidity. Furthermore, morphological characterization of the membranes and evaluation of the state of water will be carried out to provide a complete picture of the proton conduction mechanism in these membranes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAmerican Chemical Society - 238th National Meeting and Exposition, ACS 2009, Abstracts of Scientific Papers
StatePublished - Dec 1 2009
Event238th National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society, ACS 2009 - Washington, DC, United States
Duration: Aug 16 2009Aug 20 2009

Publication series

NameACS National Meeting Book of Abstracts
ISSN (Print)0065-7727

Other

Other238th National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society, ACS 2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWashington, DC
Period8/16/098/20/09

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Chemical Engineering(all)

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