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

该项目基于我们首次在《电化学通讯》(2000年，第697-702页)上发表的结果，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。这些非投机性的结果在去年被申请人略微改进(膜修饰条件的优化)。因此，本项目的目的是与工业合作伙伴(Astris Energi Inc.)密切合作，利用我们引入的这一概念，开发基于碱掺杂PBI的新型优化氢/氧聚合物碱性电解质膜燃料电池(PAEMFC)。将商业PBI粉末在适当的溶剂中溶解，通过溶剂挥发来浇注PBI薄膜。确定了制备薄膜的最佳实验条件。将确定掺杂碱性试剂的类型和浓度、浇注温度和时间等。它们的电导率将作为温度的函数进行测量，其值将与铸造条件相关。将确定获得高导电性的碱掺杂PBI的方法，这种PBI可以在与膜稳定性兼容的温度范围内运行在PAEMFC电池中。还将评估它们在燃料电池运行条件下的热稳定性。在碳布气体扩散电极上制备以Raney-Ni催化剂为基础的阳极电极和以银为催化剂的分散于碳表面的阴极电极。这些电极将与支持组织(Astris Energi Inc.)密切合作开发。哪些科学家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PBI膜和这些阳极和阴极的膜电极组件(MEA)的发展策略。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.