| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Egemole, Franklin O.
;
Biancolli, Ana Laura G.
;
Holdcroft, Steven
Total Authors: 3
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Electrochimica Acta; v. 508, p. 8-pg., 2024-10-31. |
| Abstract | |
Fluorinated proton-exchange membranes (PEMs), such as NafionTM, which is the current state-of-the-art polymer, present environmental challenges, driving the need for more sustainable alternatives for proton-exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) systems. However, fluorine-free membranes like sulfo-phenylated polyphenylene biphenyl (sPPB-50) often suffer from mechanical instability, excessive swelling, and limited cell durability, which hinder their practical applications. This study explores reinforced fluorine-free sulfo-phenylated polyphenylene membranes (PemionTM) with thicknesses of 15 mu m (Pemion-15) and 40 mu m (Pemion-40) as a potential solution to these issues. Pemion membranes were compared with both sPPB-50 and NafionTM 112 (N112), focusing on key properties such as water uptake, dimensional swelling, proton conductivity, and durability in PEMWE applications. The results show that Pemion-reinforced membranes exhibit good performance for PEMWE allowing high current densities at lower voltages. Pemion-40 exhibited a low hydrogen gas crossover compared to sPPB-50 and N112. Under a constant current of 1 A cm- 2 , Pemion-40 exhibited a voltage loss rate of 1.46 mV h- 1 over 100 h of operation. This study highlights the importance of structural reinforcement in enhancing the stability and efficiency of fluorine-free membranes, providing a promising route for sustainable alternatives in PEMWE systems. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 19/26955-3 - Synthesis of anion exchange membranes and ionomers for application in electrochemical conversion devices |
| Grantee: | Ana Laura Gonçalves Biancolli |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |
| FAPESP's process: | 21/14786-2 - Highly stable anion exchange membranes: synthesis and electrochemical applications |
| Grantee: | Ana Laura Gonçalves Biancolli |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor |
| FAPESP's process: | 17/11937-4 - A sustainable path to methane conversion by advanced electrochemical technologies |
| Grantee: | Fabio Coral Fonseca |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Grants - Applied Research Centers Program |