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Detailed information on the selected research project
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| Title |
Development of High Temperature, Proton-Conducting Solid Electrolytes |
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Subjects
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Electrolytic Hydrogen Production, R&D
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Investigators/
Organizations
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Linkous, C; University of Central Florida/Florida Solar Energy Center
R. Kopitzke; Winona State University/Department of Chemistry
G. Nelson; Florida Tech/College of Sceince and Liberal Arts
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Funding
Source(s) |
U.S. Department of Energy; amount:$250,000
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| Dates |
Project start date:01-Oct-1996, Project end date:01-Sep-1999 |
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Abstract
Hydrogen is most ideally obtained from water, and the most efficient way of obtaining hydrogen from water is via electrochemistry, or electrolysis. A prime component of the electrochemical cell is the electrolyte. Performance enhancements in electrolytic or galvanic modes may accrue if the cell can be operated at elevated temperature. More often than not, however, the electrolyte is the first component to deteriorate, limiting performance lifetime. Therefore, we undertook a materials development effort where we attempted to prepare solid electrolytes that have high proton conductivity, low electronic conductivity, and high thermal, hydrolytic, and electrolytic stability. |
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Work Significance
Our objective was to develop a Proton Exchange Membranes (PEM) that permits the operation of electrolyzers and fuel cells at elevated temperatures (>150oC). Current PEM technology (based on perfluorinated sufonate ionomers such as NafionÒ) is limited to approximately 80oC. For membrane operation up to 250oC, we utilized sulfonated analogues of highly aromatic polymers like polyimides, polybenzimidazoles and polyquinoxalines for membrane materials. Such polymers, possessing among the most thermodynamically stable backbone structures known, are used as matrix materials for composite structures for aerospace applications exposed to oxygen and moisture at high temperatures and for long periods of time. The membranes were screened for ionic conductivity and oxygen/hydrogen permeability. Testing in fuel cells was also performed to evaluate the membrane materials in a relevant environment. The goal for increasing the temperature is a 15% improvement in the efficiency of both fuel cells and electrolysis cells, or a power density increase of 100% over present levels at the same efficiency. The higher efficiency would significantly reduce the fuel and heat rejection requirements for the power subsystem, and would mean either a smaller subsystem or one offering a greater range of power production.
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Supporting Documents
Clovis - Dev of High Temp.pdf
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Document Description
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Project Website
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/hydrogen.htm
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