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Kodir A, Woo S, Shin SH, So S, Man Yu D, Lee H, Shin D, Lee JY, Park SH, Bae B. Poly(p-phenylene)-based membranes with cerium for chemically durable polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26680. [PMID: 38434046 PMCID: PMC10906415 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
A poly(p-phenylene)-based multiblock polymer is developed with an oligomeric chain extender and cerium (CE-sPP-PPES + Ce3+) to realize better performance and durability in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The membrane performance is evaluated in single cells at 80 °C and at 100% and 50% relative humidity (RH). The accelerated stability test is conducted 90 °C and 30% RH, during which linear sweep voltammetry and hydrogen permeation detection are monitored periodically. Results demonstrate that the proton conductivity of the pristine hydrocarbon membranes is superior to that of PFSA membranes, and the hydrogen crossover is significantly lower. In addition, a composite membrane containing cerium performs similarly to a pristine membrane, particularly at low RH levels. Adding cerium to CE-sPP-PPES + Ce3+ membranes improves their chemical durability significantly, with an open circuit voltage decay rate of only 89 μV/h for 1000 h. The hydrogen crossover is maintained across accelerated stability tests, as confirmed by hydrogen detection and crossover current density. The short-circuit resistance indicates that membrane thinning is less likely to occur. Collectively, these results demonstrate that a hydrocarbon membrane with cerium is a potential alternative for fuel cell applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Kodir
- Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113, South Korea
- Fuel Cell Laboratory, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), 152 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34129, South Korea
| | - Seunghee Woo
- Fuel Cell Laboratory, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), 152 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34129, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hun Shin
- Energy Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34114, South Korea
| | - Soonyong So
- Energy Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34114, South Korea
| | - Duk Man Yu
- Energy Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34114, South Korea
| | - Hyejin Lee
- Fuel Cell Laboratory, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), 152 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34129, South Korea
| | - Dongwon Shin
- Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113, South Korea
- Fuel Cell Laboratory, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), 152 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34129, South Korea
| | - Jang Yong Lee
- Energy Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34114, South Korea
| | - Seok-Hee Park
- Fuel Cell Laboratory, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), 152 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34129, South Korea
| | - Byungchan Bae
- Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113, South Korea
- Fuel Cell Laboratory, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), 152 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34129, South Korea
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2
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Song J, Zhao W, Zhou L, Meng H, Wang H, Guan P, Li M, Zou Y, Feng W, Zhang M, Zhu L, He P, Liu F, Zhang Y. Rational Materials and Structure Design for Improving the Performance and Durability of High Temperature Proton Exchange Membranes (HT-PEMs). ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303969. [PMID: 37653601 PMCID: PMC10602569 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen energy as the next-generation clean energy carrier has attracted the attention of both academic and industrial fields. A key limit in the current stage is the operation temperature of hydrogen fuel cells, which lies in the slow development of high-temperature and high-efficiency proton exchange membranes. Currently, much research effort has been devoted to this field, and very innovative material systems have been developed. The authors think it is the right time to make a short summary of the high-temperature proton exchange membranes (HT-PEMs), the fundamentals, and developments, which can help the researchers to clearly and efficiently gain the key information. In this paper, the development of key materials and optimization strategies, the degradation mechanism and possible solutions, and the most common morphology characterization techniques as well as correlations between morphology and overall properties have been systematically summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingnan Song
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesCenter of Hydrogen ScienceShanghai Key Lab of Electrical Insulation & Thermal AgingShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Wutong Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesCenter of Hydrogen ScienceShanghai Key Lab of Electrical Insulation & Thermal AgingShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Libo Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesCenter of Hydrogen ScienceShanghai Key Lab of Electrical Insulation & Thermal AgingShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Hongjie Meng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesCenter of Hydrogen ScienceShanghai Key Lab of Electrical Insulation & Thermal AgingShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Shanghai Maxim Fuel Cell Technology CompanyShanghai201401P. R. China
| | - Panpan Guan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesCenter of Hydrogen ScienceShanghai Key Lab of Electrical Insulation & Thermal AgingShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Min Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesCenter of Hydrogen ScienceShanghai Key Lab of Electrical Insulation & Thermal AgingShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Yecheng Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Fluorinated Functional Membrane Materials and Dongyue Future Hydrogen Energy Materials CompanyZiboShandong256401P. R. China
| | - Wei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Fluorinated Functional Membrane Materials and Dongyue Future Hydrogen Energy Materials CompanyZiboShandong256401P. R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesCenter of Hydrogen ScienceShanghai Key Lab of Electrical Insulation & Thermal AgingShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesCenter of Hydrogen ScienceShanghai Key Lab of Electrical Insulation & Thermal AgingShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Ping He
- Shanghai Maxim Fuel Cell Technology CompanyShanghai201401P. R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesCenter of Hydrogen ScienceShanghai Key Lab of Electrical Insulation & Thermal AgingShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Yongming Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesCenter of Hydrogen ScienceShanghai Key Lab of Electrical Insulation & Thermal AgingShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
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3
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Kim D, Jang Y, Choi E, Chae JE, Jang S. Reinforced Nafion Membrane with Ultrathin MWCNTs/Ceria Layers for Durable Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:1073. [PMID: 36363628 PMCID: PMC9698217 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12111073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
For further commercializing proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, it is crucial to attain long-term durability while achieving high performance. In this study, a strategy for modifying commercial Nafion membranes by introducing ultrathin multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/CeO2 layers on both sides of the membrane was developed to construct a mechanically and chemically reinforced membrane electrode assembly. The dispersion properties of the MWCNTs were greatly improved through chemical modification with acid treatment, and the mixed solution of MWCNTs/CeO2 was uniformly prepared through a high-energy ball-milling process. By employing a spray-coating technique, the ultrathin MWCNTs/CeO2 layers were introduced onto the membrane surfaces without any agglomeration problem because the solvent rapidly evaporated during the layer-by-layer stacking process. These ultrathin and highly dispersed MWCNTs/CeO2 layers effectively reinforced the mechanical properties and chemical durability of the membrane while minimizing the performance drop despite their non-ion-conducting properties. The characteristics of the MWCNTs/CeO2 layers and the reinforced Nafion membrane were investigated using various in situ and ex situ measurement techniques; in addition, electrochemical measurements for fuel cells were conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsu Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
| | - Yeonghwan Jang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
| | - Eunho Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
| | - Ji Eon Chae
- Department of Mobility Power Research, Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials, 156 Gajeongbuk-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34103, Korea
| | - Segeun Jang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
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4
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Xu K, Pei S, Zhang W, Han Z, Liu G, Xu X, Ma J, Zhang Y, Liu F, Zhang Y, Wang L, Zou Y, Ding H, Guan P. Chemical stability of proton exchange membranes synergistically promoted by organic antioxidant and inorganic radical scavengers. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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A Facile and Sustainable Enhancement of Anti-Oxidation Stability of Nafion Membrane. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12050521. [PMID: 35629847 PMCID: PMC9147541 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12050521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
•OH radicals are the main cause of chemical degradation of Nafion membranes in fuel cell operation. Although the cerium ion (Ce3+/4+, Ce) is reported as an effective •OH radical quencher, its membrane application has critical limitations associated with the reduction of membrane proton conductivity and its leaking. In this study, the Ce-grafted graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C3N4) (CNCe) nano-particles are synthesized and embedded in Nafion membranes to prolong the •OH radical scavenging effect. The synthesis of CNCe nano-particles is evaluated by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Compared with the pristine and Ce-blended Nafion membranes, the CNCe imbedded ones show tremendous improvement in long-term anti-oxidation stability. While the fluoride emission rates of Nafion are 0.0062 mg·cm−2·h−1 at the anode and 0.0034 mg·cm−2·h−1 at the cathode, those of Nafion/CNCe membranes are 0.0037 mg·cm−2·h−1 at the anode and 0.0023 mg·cm−2·h−1 at the cathode. The single cell test for Nafion/CNCe membranes at 80 °C and 50% relative humidity illustrates much better durability than those for Nafion and Nafion/Ce, indicating its superior scavenging effect on •OH radicals.
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Simultaneous improvement of proton conductivity and chemical stability of Nafion membranes via embedment of surface-modified ceria nanoparticles in membrane surface. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.119990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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7
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Pham TA, Koo S, Park H, Luong QT, Kwon OJ, Jang S, Kim SM, Kim K. Investigation on the Microscopic/Macroscopic Mechanical Properties of a Thermally Annealed Nafion ® Membrane. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:4018. [PMID: 34833318 PMCID: PMC8620802 DOI: 10.3390/polym13224018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nafion® electrolyte membrane, which provides a proton pathway, is an essential element in fuel cell systems. Thermal treatment without additional additives is widely used to modify the mechanical properties of the membrane, to construct reliable and durable electrolyte membranes in the fuel cell. We measured the microscopic mechanical properties of thermally annealed membranes using atomic force microscopy with the two-point method. Furthermore, the macroscopic property was investigated through tensile tests. The microscopic modulus exceeded the macroscopic modulus over all annealing temperature ranges. Additionally, the measured microscopic modulus increased rapidly near 150 °C and was saturated over that temperature, whereas the macroscopic modulus continuously increased until 250 °C. This mismatched micro/macroscopic reinforcement trend indicates that the internal reinforcement of the clusters is induced first until 150 °C. In contrast, the reinforcement among the clusters, which requires more thermal energy, probably progresses even at a temperature of 250 °C. The results showed that the annealing process is effective for the surface smoothing and leveling of the Nafion® membrane until 200 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuyet Anh Pham
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea; (T.A.P.); (S.K.); (H.P.)
| | - Seunghoe Koo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea; (T.A.P.); (S.K.); (H.P.)
| | - Hyunseok Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea; (T.A.P.); (S.K.); (H.P.)
| | - Quang Thien Luong
- Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea; (Q.T.L.); (O.J.K.)
| | - Oh Joong Kwon
- Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea; (Q.T.L.); (O.J.K.)
| | - Segeun Jang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea;
| | - Sang Moon Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea; (T.A.P.); (S.K.); (H.P.)
| | - Kyeongtae Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea; (T.A.P.); (S.K.); (H.P.)
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8
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Zhiyan R, Qingbing L, Youxiu H, Rui D, Jia L, Jia L, Jianguo L. Ceria nanorods as highly stable free radical scavengers for highly durable proton exchange membranes. RSC Adv 2021; 11:32012-32021. [PMID: 35495493 PMCID: PMC9041545 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra05026e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemically durable proton exchange membranes containing free radical scavengers have technically matured in recent years, and commercial products have come into the market. The most general type of free radical scavenger is ceria, which has been proven in many studies. However, the migration of cerium is inevitable in raw ceria particles, and the migrated cerium species can aggregate in catalyst layers, causing performance loss of fuel cells. In this work, the morphology of ceria was changed from conventional nanoparticles to nanorods, and the migration of cerium was mitigated significantly. Both ex situ Fenton's degradation tests and in situ fuel cell accelerated degradation tests (ADTs) indicated that ceria nanorods have free radical scavenging properties comparable to those of ceria nanoparticles. Moreover, the immobilization of ceria particles and antidissolving properties have been verified by Fenton's degradation tests, electric field tests and fuel cell ADTs. Morphology regulation induced high stability of ceria in proton exchange membrane.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhiyan
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University 163 Xianlin Road Nanjing Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China
| | - Li Qingbing
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University 163 Xianlin Road Nanjing Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China
| | - Huo Youxiu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University 163 Xianlin Road Nanjing Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China
| | - Ding Rui
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University 163 Xianlin Road Nanjing Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Jia
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University 163 Xianlin Road Nanjing Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China
| | - Li Jia
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University 163 Xianlin Road Nanjing Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Jianguo
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University 163 Xianlin Road Nanjing Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China
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Chemically sustainable fuel cells via layer-by-layer fabrication of sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) membranes containing cerium oxide nanoparticles. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.119430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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10
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Durability enhancement of proton exchange membrane fuel cells by ferrocyanide or ferricyanide additives. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.119282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Sharma PP, Tinh VDC, Kim D. Improved Oxidative Stability by Embedded Cerium into Graphene Oxide Nanosheets for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Application. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11040238. [PMID: 33800616 PMCID: PMC8067057 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11040238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Investigation of the collaborative effect of cerium particles embedded in graphene oxide to enhance the chemical stability of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been carried out. Synthesis of composite membranes (Nafion-GO/Ce-x) with Nafion solution as a polymer is synthesized by a solution casting method where (x = concentration of composite). The developed hybrid material was characterized by FT-IR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for its phase identification while the chemical structure was characterized by XPS analysis. The enhancement in the chemical stability of the incorporated hybrid material is characterized by Fenton’s test showing a radical scavenging effect. It was found that the residual weight for Nafion 212 was 92.50% after 24 h and it was 94.32% for Nafion-GO/Ce-2 and 96.49% for Nafion-GO/Ce-4, proving the suitability of composite membranes for fuel cell applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dukjoon Kim
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-290-7250; Fax: +82-31-290-7270
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12
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A paradigm shift for a new class of proton exchange membranes with ferrocyanide proton-conducting groups providing enhanced oxidative stability. J Memb Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Cong Tinh VD, Kim D. Enhancement of oxidative stability of PEM fuel cell by introduction of HO• radical scavenger in Nafion ionomer. J Memb Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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14
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Akrout A, Delrue A, Zatoń M, Duquet F, Spanu F, Taillades-Jacquin M, Cavaliere S, Jones D, Rozière J. Immobilisation and Release of Radical Scavengers on Nanoclays for Chemical Reinforcement of Proton Exchange Membranes. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:E208. [PMID: 32872314 PMCID: PMC7559798 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10090208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical and chemical stability of proton exchange membranes are crucial requirements for the development of fuel cells for durable energy conversion. To tackle this challenge, bi-functional nanoclays grafted with amino groups and with embedded radical scavengers, that is, CeO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into Aquivion® ionomer. The composite membranes presented high proton conductivity and increased stability to radical attack compared to non-modified Aquivion membranes, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach based on radical scavenger immobilisation and release from clay nanocontainers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alia Akrout
- Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, UMR CNRS 5253, Aggregates Interfaces and Materials for Energy, University of Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.A.); (A.D.); (M.Z.); (F.D.); (F.S.); (M.T.-J.); (D.J.); (J.R.)
| | - Aude Delrue
- Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, UMR CNRS 5253, Aggregates Interfaces and Materials for Energy, University of Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.A.); (A.D.); (M.Z.); (F.D.); (F.S.); (M.T.-J.); (D.J.); (J.R.)
| | - Marta Zatoń
- Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, UMR CNRS 5253, Aggregates Interfaces and Materials for Energy, University of Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.A.); (A.D.); (M.Z.); (F.D.); (F.S.); (M.T.-J.); (D.J.); (J.R.)
| | - Fanny Duquet
- Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, UMR CNRS 5253, Aggregates Interfaces and Materials for Energy, University of Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.A.); (A.D.); (M.Z.); (F.D.); (F.S.); (M.T.-J.); (D.J.); (J.R.)
| | - Francesco Spanu
- Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, UMR CNRS 5253, Aggregates Interfaces and Materials for Energy, University of Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.A.); (A.D.); (M.Z.); (F.D.); (F.S.); (M.T.-J.); (D.J.); (J.R.)
| | - Mélanie Taillades-Jacquin
- Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, UMR CNRS 5253, Aggregates Interfaces and Materials for Energy, University of Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.A.); (A.D.); (M.Z.); (F.D.); (F.S.); (M.T.-J.); (D.J.); (J.R.)
| | - Sara Cavaliere
- Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, UMR CNRS 5253, Aggregates Interfaces and Materials for Energy, University of Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.A.); (A.D.); (M.Z.); (F.D.); (F.S.); (M.T.-J.); (D.J.); (J.R.)
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), CEDEX 05, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Deborah Jones
- Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, UMR CNRS 5253, Aggregates Interfaces and Materials for Energy, University of Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.A.); (A.D.); (M.Z.); (F.D.); (F.S.); (M.T.-J.); (D.J.); (J.R.)
| | - Jacques Rozière
- Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, UMR CNRS 5253, Aggregates Interfaces and Materials for Energy, University of Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.A.); (A.D.); (M.Z.); (F.D.); (F.S.); (M.T.-J.); (D.J.); (J.R.)
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15
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Magnetic field alignment of stable proton-conducting channels in an electrolyte membrane. Nat Commun 2019; 10:842. [PMID: 30783091 PMCID: PMC6381100 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08622-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Proton exchange membranes with short-pathway through-plane orientated proton conductivity are highly desirable for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Magnetic field is utilized to create oriented structure in proton exchange membranes. Previously, this has only been carried out by proton nonconductive metal oxide-based fillers. Here, under a strong magnetic field, a proton-conducting paramagnetic complex based on ferrocyanide-coordinated polymer and phosphotungstic acid is used to prepare composite membranes with highly conductive through-plane-aligned proton channels. Gratifyingly, this strategy simultaneously overcomes the high water-solubility of phosphotungstic acid in composite membranes, thereby preventing its leaching and the subsequent loss of membrane conductivity. The ferrocyanide groups in the coordinated polymer, via redox cycle, can continuously consume free radicals, thus helping to improve the long-term in situ membrane durability. The composite membranes exhibit outstanding proton conductivity, fuel cell performance and durability, compared with other types of hydrocarbon membranes and industry standard Nafion® 212. Proton exchange membranes with short-pathway through-plane proton conductivity are attractive for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Here the authors align proton conducting channels orthogonal to the plane of composite proton exchange membranes using a magnetic field for improved fuel cell performance.
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