Scalable method of making metal-organic framework based proton exchange membranes for fuel cells (Phase 1)

这种应用是追求商业化发展的一类新型质子导电复合材料。该技术基于高导电性质子导电粉末（称为金属有机框架，mof）。然而，粉末本身并不能起到薄膜的作用，它需要制成机械稳定的薄膜。利用生物复合材料将mof制成薄膜，并申请了PCT专利。这些复合材料能够形成稳定的粉末薄膜，具有mof的高负载基准水平。这要归功于mof与生物材料（例如各种形式的纤维素）之间的特定相互作用。这些高负载使粉末的优良特性得以保留，同时使其能够作为薄膜并入设备中。该项目将提升技术水平，并冒着合作伙伴参与的风险，制造更大的膜，并测试除导电性外最具工业相关性的性能（例如燃料电池环境中的稳定性、氢渗透性）。这不仅适用于绿色能源行业，也适用于林业行业，以创造对废物的需求。

This application is the pursue the commercial development of a new class of proton conducting composite material. The technology is based on highly conducting proton conducting powders (called metal organic framework, MOFs). On its own though, a powder does not function as a membrane and it needs to be made into a mechanically stable thin film. A PCT patent application has been filed on the manufacture of MOFs into thin films by using biomaterial composites. These composites enable the formation of stable films of the powder with benchmark levels of high loading of the MOFs. This owes to the specific interactions between the MOFs and the biomaterials, for example, various forms of cellulose. These high loadings enable retention of the excellent features of the powders while enabling incorporation into devices as films. This project will move up the technology ladder and derisk engagement of partners by making larger membranes and testing the most industrially relevant properties beyond conduction (e.g. stability in fuel cell environment, hydrogen permeability). This has applications for the green energy industry but also the forestry industry to create demand for waste materials.