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

该应用是对新型质子传导复合材料的商业开发的追求。该技术基于高导电性质子传导粉末（称为金属有机框架，MOF）。然而，粉末本身并不起膜的作用，它需要制成机械稳定的薄膜。PCT专利申请已经提交了关于通过使用生物材料复合材料将MOFs制造成薄膜的申请。这些复合材料使得能够形成具有MOF的高负载的基准水平的稳定的粉末膜。这归因于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。这些高负载量使得能够保持粉末的优异特性，同时能够作为膜结合到器件中。该项目将通过制造更大的膜并测试传导之外最具工业相关性的特性（例如燃料电池环境中的稳定性，氢渗透性）来提升技术水平并降低合作伙伴的参与风险。 这不仅可应用于绿色能源行业，还可应用于林业行业，以创造对废料的需求。

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.