Development of polymer alkaline electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PAEMFC) based on alkali-doped Polybenzimidazole (PBI)

该项目是基于我们在Electrochemistry Communications（2000年，第697-702页）上首次发表的结果，该结果表明基于碱掺杂聚苯并咪唑（PBI）的氢/氧聚合物电解质膜燃料电池（PEMFC）是可行的。这些非推测性结果在去年由申请人略微改进（膜改性条件的优化）。因此，该项目的目的是与工业合作伙伴（Astris Energi Inc.）密切合作，利用这一概念，开发了基于碱掺杂PBI的新型优化氢氧聚合物碱性电解质膜燃料电池（PAEMFC）。将通过将商业PBI粉末溶解在适当溶剂中的溶剂蒸发来浇铸PBI薄膜。确定了薄膜制备的最佳实验条件。确定了掺杂碱剂的种类和浓度、浇注温度和时间等。它们的电导率将被测量为温度的函数，并且它们的值将与铸造条件相关联。将确定获得可以在与膜稳定性相容的温度范围内在PAEMFC电池中操作的非常导电的碱掺杂的PBI的方法。还将评估它们在燃料电池工作条件下的热稳定性。将在碳布气体扩散电极上制备基于阮内镍催化剂的阳极电极和基于分散在碳上的银催化剂的阴极电极。这些电极将与支持组织（Astris Energi Inc.）密切合作开发。他们是碱性燃料电池电极结构方面的专家。将确定基于这些碱性掺杂的PBI膜和这些阳极和阴极电极开发膜电极组件（MEA）的策略。最好的MEA将在氢/氧聚合物碱性电解质膜燃料电池中进行表征和测试。

This project is based on the results we have published, for the first time, in Electrochemistry Communications (in 2000, pages 697-702) which have shown that hydrogen/oxygen polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) based on alkaline-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) is feasible. These non speculative results have been slightly improved (  optimization of the membrane modification conditions) by the applicant this last year. Accordingly the aim of this project, in close collaboration of the industrial partner (Astris Energi Inc.), is to use this concept we introduced and to develop new optimized hydrogen/oxygen Polymer Alkaline Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PAEMFC) based on alkaline-doped PBI. Thin films of PBI will be cast by solvent evaporation from the dissolution of commercial PBI powder in an appropriate solvent. The optimized experimental conditions of the films preparation will be determined. The type and concentration of the doping alkaline agent, the casting temperature and time, etc. will be identified. Their conductivity will be measured as functions of temperature, and their value will be correlated to the casting conditions. Ways to get very conductive alkaline-doped PBI which can be operated in a PAEMFC cell in a range of temperatures compatible with the membrane stability will be determined. Their thermal stability under fuel cell operating conditions will also be assessed. Anode electrodes based on Raney-nickel catalyst and cathode electrodes based on silver catalyst dispersed onto carbon will be prepared on carbon cloth gas diffusion electrode. These electrodes will be developed in close collaboration with supporting organization (Astris Energi Inc.) which scientists are experts in the electrode structures in alkaline fuel cell. Strategies to develop membrane electrode assembly (MEA) based on these alkaline doped-PBI membranes and these anode and cathode electrodes will be determined. The best MEAs will be characterised and tested in hydrogen /oxygen Polymer Alkaline Electrolyte Membrane fuel Cells.