SBIR Phase I: Advanced Carbon Nanotube Membrane For Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

9861166 这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目解决了直接甲醇燃料电池（DMFC）发展的根本障碍。 目前，抑制DMFC性能的主要障碍是甲醇穿过聚合物电解质膜的现象，其引起阴极去极化，导致显著的性能损失。 这第一阶段计划扩展PSI的专业知识，在开发高性能的电催化剂和电极，该系统进入甲醇渗透领域。 我们的方法是利用碳纳米管独特的结构和电学性质来创建复合膜结构，这将抑制甲醇渗透，同时保持高的电导率和离子电导率。 第一阶段工作的成功完成将使直接甲醇燃料电池的功率密度增加20%。 该技术的成功开发将大大提高直接甲醇燃料电池的性能和成本效益，用于军事和商业应用。

9861166 This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project addresses a fundamental hindrance to the development of the Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). Currently, a major obstacle inhibiting DMFC performance is the phenomenon of methanol crossover through the polymer electrolyte membrane, which causes cathode depolarization resulting in significant performance loss. This Phase I program extends PSI's expertise in developing high performance electrocatalysts and electrodes for this system into the area of methanol permeation. Our approach is to utilize the unique structural and electrical properties of carbon nanotubes to create a composite membrane structure, which will inhibit methanol crossover while maintaining high electrical and ionic conductivity. Successful completion of this Phase I effort will result in a power density increase of as much as 20% for the DMFC. Successful development of the technology will substantially improve the performance and cost effectiveness of direct methanol fuel cells for both military and commercial applications.