Carbonate and Hydroxide Ion Transport in Alkaline Anion Exchange Materials
Abstract
Even though there is significantly greater understanding of the proton transport mechanism in the cation exchange membranes, the dominant carbonate and OH- ion transport mechanisms in the anion exchange membrane (AEM) are yet unclear. Preliminary results have shown that we can successfully predict OH- conductivity, ion dissociation processes, and water flux in the AEM This project will obtain fundamental understanding into the formation and transport of carbonate ions and hydroxide ions in AEM material, and then to examine solutions for AEM stability and performance in the presence of carbon dioxide. A detailed understanding of how carbonate ions and hydroxide ions form and transport in AEM material is needed in order to understand how they affect the ionic conductivity and stability of the AEM material. This will be achieved by creating analytical/numerical models to accurately describe the formation and transport of carbonate ions and hydroxide ions in the AEM, validating the model using experimental data obtained provided by our collaborators at the Army Research Laboratory (Dr. Deryn Chu, Dr. Kyle Grew, and Dr. Xiaoming Ren), Vanderbilt University (Prof. Peter Pintauro), and from the published literature, and exploring solutions for AEM stability and performance in the presence of carbon dioxide. There are considerable Army power and energy needs including Soldier and Sensor power, Field/Base power, Vehicle power and Air Platform power. The Army has targeted fuel cells as a candidate for portable power, APUs, UAV/UGV, and unattended ground sensors. Applications include methanol-fueled fuel cells for Future Warriors (72hour mission), and logistic-fueled fuel cells for 96 hour missions. There is significant interest in alkaline fuel cells utilizing solid-polymer alkaline anion exchange membranes (AEM), which are the high pH equivalent to proton exchange membranes (e.g. Nafion).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1074745
Entities
People
- Wilson K. S. Chiu
Organizations
- University of Connecticut