Currently, there is a surge in interest in fuel cell
research, as companies across the globe race to take advantage of the high
energy capacity that fuel cells provide in comparison to other portable
electrochemical systems. Many approaches to fuel cell technology use strong acid
electrolytes. Such systems suffer from corrosion problems, which limit their
functional life. Despite significant research in the area, there remains a need
for higher-performance proton carriers for use in fuel cells.
To address this crucial need, researchers at Arizona State
University have developed neutral ionic liquids, which function extremely well
as proton transport vehicles in fuel cell applications. These neutral liquids
are free from the corrosion issues plaguing acidic cells. Likewise, the addition
of a certain involatile molecular base leads to a remarkable increase in cell
current, allowing the fuel cell to operate effectively at much lower
temperatures. The protons are carried by both anions and cations as an integral
part of a pronated species, rather than by a Grotthus-type mechanism. Thus, the
stability and performance of fuel cells based on the ASU technology are superior
to the current state of the art phosphoric acid cells. A high-output, stable,
long-lasting fuel cell can now be constructed.
Development
This technology is part of a diverse suite of fuel cell
innovations developed at Arizona State University. Significant testing has been
completed, and the results have been published. At this time, AzTE is seeking
potential partners and licensees for this pending patent and related
technologies.
Benefits and Advantages
- Higher Conductivity – One configuration of the
electrolytes has the highest conductivity ever recorded for a non-aqueous
liquid.
- Wide Operating Temperature – These compounds exhibit a
boiling point in excess of 200° C.
- Low Volatility - The electrolytes exhibit high thermal
stability and low ambient temperature volatility.
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