Nanofiber Composite Membranes for Alkaline Fuel Cells: Generation of Compositional, Morphological, and Functional Property Relationships
Abstract
This project seeks to investigate and quantify inter-relationships between the compositional, morphological, and functional properties of nanofiber composite anion-exchange membranes for alkaline fuel cells. A new membrane fabrication strategy, utilizing polymer fiber electrospinning, will be employed to make hydroxide-conducting membranes with an entirely new morphology, where one electrospun polymer provides pathways for ion conductivity and the second electrospun polymer restricts ionomer swelling and imparts mechanical strength to the membrane. The functional ionomer/polyelectrolyte and the inert support polymer are electrospun simultaneously using separate spinnerets. Post-treatment will convert the dual-fiber mats into defect-free membranes, while maintaining the nanofiber morphology of the ionomer/polyelectrolyte component. Membranes will be made where ion-exchange polymer nanofibers are surrounded by an inert (uncharged) polymer matrix. The dual fiber electrospinning technique circumvents the need for a separate polymer impregnation step, which simplifies membrane fabrication and minimizes defect pinhole formation. Methods for fabricating such membranes are to be identified and the transport, swelling, and mechanical properties of the final membranes are to be measured and contrasted with the properties of homogeneous ionomer films. A series of model membranes will be fabricated with a range of well defined and carefully measured compositions and nanofiber morphologies. From these membranes, fundamental structure/function relationships will be generated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA631763
Entities
People
- Peter N. Pintauro
Organizations
- Vanderbilt University