STTR Phase I: Modification of Ionomer Membranes to Improve Conductivity

这个小型企业技术转移（STTR）第一阶段项目将开发一种提高Nafion跨膜导电性的方法。本项目提出了一种方法来修改导电通道的方向，通过离子在离聚体膜中穿越。在膜制造过程中发生的剪切力倾向于使通道在平行于膜表面的方向上定向。提出的对膜制造工艺的修改将使这些通道在垂直于膜的方向上定向，并且优选的定向将导致更高的跨膜运输。拟议的研究将对定向传输至关重要的各种应用产生直接影响。具体来说，这种改性方法将允许制造离子电导率提高的离聚体膜，这对减少电解槽（用于制造氯和苛性碱以及生产氢）的功率消耗最有利，并增加PEM燃料电池的功率输出。

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a method for improving the transmembrane conductivity of Nafion. This project proposes to develop a method for modifying the orientation of the conductive channels though which ions traverse in ionomer membranes. Shear forces that occur during membrane manufacture tend to cause orientation of the channels in a direction parallel to the membrane surface. The proposed modification to the membrane manufacturing process would orient these channels in a direction perpendicular to the membrane, and that preferred orientation would result in higher transmembrane transport. The proposed research will have a direct impact on variety of applications in which directional transport is essential. Specifically, this modification method would allow the manufacture of ionomer membranes with improved ionic conductivity in the direction that is most beneficial to reduction of power consumption in electrolyzers (utilized in the manufacture of chlorine and caustic and in the production of hydrogen) and increase in the power output of PEM fuel cells.