Development of proton-exchange systems for fuel cells based on polymer membranes and oligomeric ionic liquids
Methods for synthesis of protic cationic oligomeric ionic liquids (OILs) of linear and branched (silicone oligomers) structure as anhydrous proton-conducting media were proposed.
The developed compounds were used as dopants in production of thermally stable polymeric proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) on the basis of industrial porous
track polymeric film materials by impregnating them with solutions of the proposed compounds. The obtained membranes were characterized by high thermal
stability and ability to ionic conductivity in the absence of moisture.
Area of application
The obtained OILs and PEMs can be used not only in in fuel cells but also in chemical separation processes, sensors, energy storage devices,
windows with controlled permeability of light ("smart windows"), electrochromic displays, process of electrolysis of water.
Brief description
Methods for synthesis of protic cationic OILs of linear and branched structure by neutralization of linear and silsesquioxane basic oligomers respectively
with low molecular weight organic sulfonic acids were developed. The reaction product of α,ω-diglycidyl ether of oligooxyethylene glycol
(MM 1000) with 2-aminopyridine or 2-amino-3-methylpyridine was used as the initial basic oligomer of linear structure. An oligomeric silsesquioxane
containing tertiary amino groups in combination with hydroxyl groups in the organic frame of the silsesquioxane core was used as the branched oligomer.
Reactive protic cationic OILs were synthesized by complete or partial neutralization of the basic centers of the proposed basic oligomers with ethane and
p-toluenesulfonic acids.
Methods for obtaining the polymeric PEMs based on industrial thermally stable polymers and the synthesized cationic protic organosilicon OILs of branched
structure as dopants based on impregnation of porous polyethylene terephthalate track membranes with different pore sizes (0.1 μm and 1.0 μm) were proposed.
The obtained OILs and polymer PEMs are capable of proton conductivity in the absence of moisture.
Expected results
High thermal stability of the obtained OILs and polymer PEMs, their ability to proton conductivity in anhydrous conditions.
Advantages
The developed method of obtaining the polymeric PEMs is based on use of commercially available industrial thermally stable polymers that makes it possible
to implement this approach on an industrial scale. The synthesized polymeric PEMs are characterized by small thickness (about 10 μm),
high mechanical strength and thermal stability, acceptable ionic conductivity in anhydrous conditions, low fuel crossover, ease of synthesis and low cost
of production.
Competitor
DuPont Co.,
Asahi Glass Co.Ltd ,
Asahi Chemicals Co. Ltd ,
Dow Chemical Co.
Project development
Methods for synthesis of protic cationic OILs of linear and branched structure and a method for obtaining the thermally stable polymeric PEMs for hydrogen
fuel cells capable of ionic conductivity in anhydrous conditions were developed. The proposed OILs of linear and branched structure are characterized by
thermal stability of (203-220)°C and (259-274)°C respectively and the value of their proton conductivity is in the range
of (10–4-10-3) S/cm at temperatures
of (80-120)°C in anhydrous conditions. The obtained polymeric PEMs based on branched organosilicon OILs are characterized by thermal
stability of (250-290)°C and the level of proton conductivity of (10–6-10-5) S/cm at 100°C in anhydrous conditions. The obtained OILs and polymeric
PEMs according to these characteristics are at the level of the best domestic and foreign analogues of this type.
Contact information
Institute- Executor: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Project 20 Development of proton-exchange systems for fuel cells based on polymer membranes and oligomeric ionic liquids
Project leader:
Shevchenko Valery V.
Corresponding Member of NAS of Ukraine
Professor
Doctor of Chemical Sciences
Tel. +38 044 573-22-70
Е-mail: valpshevchenko@gmail.com
