Proton exchange polyionic liquid-based membrane fuel cell applications

Abstract

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are a potential technology for renewable energy sources. PEMFC operating at higher temperatures provides numerous advantages, including increased power density, durability, and the use of higher purity hydrogen fuel. In order to facilitate high temperature operations, research has been conducted on integrating ionic liquids into the proton exchange membrane. Ionic liquid membranes frequently have poor mechanical stability, rendering them unsuitable for use in fuel cells or resulting in poor fuel cell durability. Polyionic liquids (PILs) have enormous potential for both high and low temperature PEMFC applications. The Poly([HSO3-BVIm][TfO]-10 membrane performs well at low temperatures, with a proton conductivity of 0.209–0.293 S/cm at 25–40 °C, which is greater than the most often used membrane Nafion. The OPBI/PVImBr (H)-g-SiNP-10% at 160 °C. The OPBI/PVImBr (H)-g-SiNP-10% membrane performs well at 160 °C, with proton conductivity of 0.25 S/cm at 170 °C but a low mechanical strength of 2.76 MPa. The 6FPBI–PIL–10 membrane doped with phosphoric acid is another membrane with tremendous promise for high temperature applications. Unfortunately, only a few PIL membranes for high temperature fuel cell applications have been explored. This review paper delves further into PIL's performance as a solid electrolyte material utilized in fuel cells.

Keywords

• Ionic liquid
• Polyionic liquid
• Proton exchange membrane
• Fuel cell