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Advanced Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Army 		Award ID:
41511 		Program Year/Program:
1998 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
41511 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
GINER, INC.
89 Rumford Avenue Newton, MA 02466-1311
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Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 1998
Title: Advanced Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Agency / Branch: DOD / ARMY
Contract: N/A
Award Amount: $100,000.00
 

Abstract:

Development of a low-cost high-exclusion proton-exchange membrane (PEN) for use as an electrolyte in a liquid feed direct methanol fuel cell (LFDMFC) is proposed. The LFDMFC, because of its simplicity (no reformer, simple heat management) and inherent reliability (cell membrane flooded with water), is a potentially attractive power source for low- to medium-power applications, such as a battery replacement for mobile electric power applications. One drawback to LFDMFCs is that methanol permeates across currently available PEMs from the anode to the cathode where it reacts with air (02), resulting in parasitic methanol loss and reduced fuel cell voltage. To overcome this problem, Giner, Inc. proposes to develop a composite membrane which is expected to minimize methanol permeability while maintaining high proton transport, leading to increased LFDMFC power output and improved system efficiency. The research objectives are to incorporate a methanol exclusion layer within a membrane, evaluate physical/chemical properties of the composite membrane, identify conditions to bond electrodes to the membrane, evaluate the membranes in a LFDMFC, and conduct a cost analysis. We expect to develop an advanced PEM for use in a LFDMFC which results in a significant decrease in methanol crossover, compared to Nafion 117, while providing high LFDMFC performance. BENEFITS: LFDMFC-powered vehicles have a very large market potential in states mandating use of zero-emission vehicles by early in the next decade. Additional opportunities include airport and mail vehicles, golf carts, lawn mowers, power tools and dispersed power generators. Military applications include standard vehicles, unmanned underwater and air vehicles, and person portable backpack power supplies.

Principal Investigator:

Dr. John A. Kosek
6178997270

Business Contact:


0
Small Business Information at Submission:

GINER, INC.
14 Spring St Waltham, MA 02154

EIN/Tax ID:
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No