Enhancement of Conductivity

About

Summary Stanford researchers at the Frank Group have developed a new method to enhance the ion conductivity of a nano-phase-separated proton exchange membrane (PEM) to the range of 200 ms/cm which is significantly higher than the industry standard Nafion membrane. In addition, this material (copolymers of aromatic polyimide (PI) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) incorporated with ionic liquid (IL), thermally annealed) can operate at higher temperatures and lower humidity conditions than some of the other leading PEMs. It is easily manufactured and processed using well-known high-yield chemistry, making them readily accessible with potential for lower manufacturing costs.   Applications Proton exchange membranes for fuel cells Solid electrolyte membranes for batteries   Advantages Dramatically increased ion conductivity by 2 - 5 times Easily manufactured and processed using well-known high-yield chemistry, making them readily accessible Physical properties including ion transport and thermal/mechanical properties can be simply controlled in a wide range by varying the composition Can operate at higher temperatures and lower humidity conditions than some of the other leading PEMs Potential for lower manufacturing costs than the current PEMs