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STTR Phase I: Modification of Ionomer Membranes to Improve Conductivity

Award Information

Agency:
National Science Foundation 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
84890 		Program Year/Program:
2007 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
0638012 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
ZDD
1225 Laurel Street 6745 HOLLISTER AVENUE Columbia, SC 29201-2510
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2007
Title: STTR Phase I: Modification of Ionomer Membranes to Improve Conductivity
Agency: NSF
Contract: 0638012
Award Amount: $150,000.00
 

Abstract:

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a method for improving the transmembrane conductivity of Nafion. This project proposes to develop a method for modifying the orientation of the conductive channels though which ions traverse in ionomer membranes. Shear forces that occur during membrane manufacture tend to cause orientation of the channels in a direction parallel to the membrane surface. The proposed modification to the membrane manufacturing process would orient these channels in a direction perpendicular to the membrane, and that preferred orientation would result in higher transmembrane transport. The proposed research will have a direct impact on variety of applications in which directional transport is essential. Specifically, this modification method would allow the manufacture of ionomer membranes with improved ionic conductivity in the direction that is most beneficial to reduction of power consumption in electrolyzers (utilized in the manufacture of chlorine and caustic and in the production of hydrogen) and increase in the power output of PEM fuel cells.

Principal Investigator:

Thomas A. Davis
Dr
8037777540
tom.davis@sc.edu

Business Contact:

Thomas A. Davis
PhD
8037777540
tom.davis@sc.edu
Small Business Information at Submission:

ZDD
1225 Laurel Street 6745 HOLLISTER AVENUE Columbia, SC 29201

EIN/Tax ID: 571136535
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
Univ of SC Columbia
901 Sumter Street
Columbia, SC 29208-2510
Contact: Ralph E. White
Contact Phone: (803) 777-3270
RI Type: Nonprofit college or university