Advanced nano-engineered composite membranes for next generation of alcohol fuel cell sensors

乙醇燃料电池传感器（ACFS）由于其在人体呼吸酒精浓度检测方面的巨大潜力而引起了人们的广泛关注。与ACFS特别相关的一个主要技术障碍是由于质子交换膜和催化剂层的脱水导致的传感器性能下降，这发生在温度或湿度的环境极端条件下。我们解决这个问题的方法是开发独特的，具有成本效益的，低湿度的复合膜，使用酸功能化的纳米材料与各种聚合物电解质（PFSA或多孔聚苯并咪唑）。最终目标是开发新型的复合膜和膜电极组件，具有优异的稳定性，用于商业燃料电池传感器。 这项研究将加强我们与酒精对策系统公司的伙伴关系，基于我们之前成功开发这项技术的NSERC Engage项目。研究结果将有助于提高燃料电池传感器的性能和稳定性，并降低其成本。它们还将扩大和加强加拿大有关工业的能力，为加拿大知识型经济的发展作出贡献。这项研究可以通过利用纳米技术的最新进展，为燃料电池传感器技术带来革命性的进步。拟议的活动还将培训对加拿大和全球下一代技术开发至关重要的高素质人员。

Alcohol fuel cell sensors (ACFSs) have attracted considerable attention due to their great potential in the detection of human breath alcohol concentration. One major technical barrier specifically associated with ACFS is a performance decrease of the sensor due to dehydration of the proton exchange membrane and catalyst layers, which occurs at environmental extremes of temperature or humidity. Our approach to solve this problem is to develop unique, cost-effective, low-humidity composite membranes using acid-functionalized nano-materials with various polymeric electrolytes (PFSA or porous polybenzimidazole). The ultimate goal is to develop novel composite membranes and membrane electrode assemblies with excellent stability for commercial fuel cell sensors. This research will strengthen our partnership with Alcohol Countermeasure Systems Corp., building on our previous NSERC Engage project successfully developing this technology. The results will help enhance the performance and stability of fuel cell sensors, and reduce their cost. They will also expand and enhance the capabilities of the relevant Canadian industry, contributing to the development of a knowledge-based Canadian economy. The research could bring revolutionary advances in fuel cell sensor technology by taking advantage of the most recent progress in nanotechnology. The proposed activities will also train highly qualified personnel who will be critical in the development of next generation technology in Canada and globally.