SBIR Phase I: Membrane-Electrolyte Assemblies (MEAs) for Small Fuel Cell Systems

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目将开发用于质子交换膜燃料电池的高质子导电性、不溶于水和热稳定的电解液，其基础是溶胶-凝胶基质中功能化的多金属氧酸盐(POM)簇的杂化膜。第一阶段将重点发展阴极/电解液和阳极/电解质膜的制备技术。然后，获得的阴极/电解液和阳极/电解质膜可以压制在一起并热固化，形成阴极/电解液/阳极膜组件。住宅用小型燃料电池系统的开发可以为家庭提供电力和热量，比传统服务显著节省。燃料电池使分布式热电联产成为一种具有竞争力的替代方案，因为它们提供了独特的优势组合。由于它们体积小、干净、安静，可以安装在需要电力的地方，即使是在最拥挤的城市位置。燃料电池发电机可用于需要不间断、高质量电力的医院和计算机中心。微型燃料电池作为便携式发电机和替代电池，因为它们快速且易于补充燃料，运行时间更长，运行成本更低。系统适合于许多应用，包括便携式计算机和电话、摄像机和用于露营、划船和应急电源的发电机。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop highly proton conductive, water insoluble and thermally stable electrolytes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, based on a hybrid membrane of a functionalized polyoxometalate (POM) cluster in a sol-gel matrix. Phase I will focus on developing the technology of fabrication of cathode/electrolyte and anode/electrolyte membranes. The procured cathode/electrolyte and anode/electrolyte membranes can then be pressed together and thermally cured to form a cathode/electrolyte/anode membrane assembly.The development of small fuel cell systems for residential may provide thehouseholder with electricity and heat at a significant saving over conventional services. Fuel cells make distributed cogeneration a competitive alternative as they provide aunique combination of advantages. Being small, clean and quiet, they can be sited whereverelectricity is needed, even in the most congested urban location. Fuel cell generators canbe used in hospitals and computer centers where there is a need for uninterruptible, highquality power. Micro fuel cells as portable generators and to replace batteries since theyare quick and easy to refuel, have longer operating times and lower operating costs.Systems are suitable for a number of applications, including portable computers andtelephones, video cameras and generators for camping, boating and emergency power.