Hello,
I need to make a cheap fuel cell membrane that is either highly selective to OH- or protons, but preferrably OH-. Also it should have almost no electrolyte crossover.
It would be best if the membrane was made out of a biopolymer, for example alginate or chitin, but it doesn't necessarily have to. Any suggestions, ideas or protocols to it?
Thanks very much,
regards,
André Leonhardt
André Leonhardt
you have posted several questions related to research in fuel cells. You are probably rather novice in this very complex area. If you did not work with experienced people in this area, it would be extremely difficult for you to start the project
Lets start with some basic information about fuel cells. Hopefully these links will help you to learn a little about fuel cells and formulate your question a little better.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton-exchange_membrane_fuel_cell
https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/parts-fuel-cell
http://americanhistory.si.edu/fuelcells/basics.htm
@Yurii V Geletti, @Rick Manner,
Yeah, probably I am a novice, I am I high school student. But I am not as ignorant as you might think. It would be no problem to make an alkaline anion exchange membrane, but the problem is since the overall ph will need to be slightly acidic (ph1-2,5) the alkaline membrane will react with the catholyte and so I need an anion exchange membrane that is functionalized. Because of my limited supplies I probably won't be able to quarternize polymers, so I need another option for a acid tolerant, OH- selective membrane (for some reason the anion membrane works better than the nafion type in acidic ph for my type of cell) . I definitely know, how fuel cells work, I have been working on many different types, with great success. I created a functional alkaline fuel cell with electrochemical deposited nickel electrode with “raney nickel like“ surface that has higher oxygen stability and performance than real raney type nickel. The second fuel cell I created was an ethanol fuel cell with a cheap copper intercalation compound based catalyst. The problem is I am working on a biocompatible redox flow battery and so I have to use alternative materials for example a water soluble or ionic liquid (more precisely deep eutectic liquid, those are often equalized) based regenerative catalyst and as mentioned a diy- eco friendly, selective membrane.
The fuell cell is already made, yet I use a anion exchange membrane that was kindly provided by Dr.Pfeiffer
André Leonhardt
No doubt that you are very knowledgeable for a high school student. I encourage you to work on your project. While keep in mind that the real scientific research work requires a very deep background in numerous fields. In addition you need an access to expensive and complicated equipment. I would advise you to join as a volunteer a team of professional scholars near you. Good Luck!
I apologize for giving you the impression that I believed you are "ignorant". You are obviously a very bright student with a world filled with opportunity ahead of you I hope you are able to attend a college/university where you can continue your research and make a real difference in the world.
Best Wishes
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