Grant: Strategic Projects - Group
École Polytechnique de Montréal
$120,365.00
Development of polymer alkaline electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PAEMFC) based on alkali-doped Polybenzimidazole (PBI)
FY 2006-07
Summary
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.
Program
Strategic Projects - Group
Recipient
Location
Quebec, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
336775-2006
Name nom
Savadogo, Oumarou
Department département
Génie chimique
Organization id
64
Institution établissement
École Polytechnique de Montréal
Province en
Québec
Province fr
Québec
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2006
Competition year année de concours
2006
Award amount
120365
Program id
STPGP
Program name en
Strategic Projects - Group
Program name fr
Projets stratégiques - De groupe
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
1047
Committee name en
Strategic Projects Selection Panel - Energy
Committee name fr
Comité de sélection des projets stratégiques - Énergie
Area of application code
306
Area of application group en
Energy resources
Area of application group fr
Ressources d'énergie
Area of application en
Energy efficiency
Area of application fr
Efficacité énergétique
Research subject code
2303
Research subject group en
Fuel and energy technology
Research subject group fr
Combustibles et technologie de l'énergie
Research subject en
Other sources of energy (solar, wind, etc.)
Research subject fr
Autres sources d'énergie (combustibles solaire, éolien, etc).
Partie
1
Nb partie
3
Application title
Development of polymer alkaline electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PAEMFC) based on alkali-doped Polybenzimidazole (PBI)
Keyword
NA
Application summary
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.
