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Ultra-stable Anion Exchange Membrane for Solar-to-Hydrogen Generation

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-SC0019707
Agency Tracking Number: 242524
Amount: $156,491.36
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 19b
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0001940
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2019
Award Year: 2019
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2019-02-19
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2019-11-18
Small Business Information
410 Sackett Point Rd
North Haven, CT 06473-3106
United States
DUNS: 178154456
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Zhan Gao
 (203) 287-3700
 ZGAO@PRECISION-COMBUSTION.COM
Business Contact
 John Scanlon
Phone: (203) 287-3700
Email: jscanlon@precision-combustion.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

We propose a unique design approach for enabling ultra-stable, high conductivity anion exchange membranes for solar-to-hydrogen generation applications. The innovation is targeted to address performance deficiencies in state-of-the-art membranes relating to conductivity, durability and permeability and was identified after analyzing the conduction and degradation mechanisms. The proposed design will target hydroxide ionic conductivities > 100 mS cm-1 while demonstrating stable operation for extended periods (>2000 hrs) in base bath solutions of 6 M potassium (or sodium) hydroxide solutions from room temperature to 80oC. Phase I will finalize target performance metrics and requirements, synthesize the designed membranes, and test them both separately and in a fabricated solar-to-hydrogen photoelectrochemical cell, as well as perform an economic analysis study. The resulting membrane should exhibit higher conductivity, superior stability, and lower permeability than state-of-the-art membranes and will meet the requirement for solar-to-hydrogen generation applications. With success, the membrane will significantly enhance higher efficiency for solar to hydrogen systems as well as lower hydrogen production costs. Our innovation offers a higher conductivity, superior stability, and lower permeability than state-of-the-art anion exchange membranes and will significantly enhance higher efficiency for solar to hydrogen systems as well as lower hydrogen production costs, which will facilitate the on-site hydrogen productions.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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