Anion Exchange Membrane for Solar Fuels Generators

To increase the system efficiency, solar-to-hydrogen generator’s anion exchange membranes (AEM) must operate in alkaline (pH 14) aqueous electrolytes. Current commercial anion membranes have poor hydroxide conductivity and are inadequate in preventing crossover of hydrogen and oxygen gases in these high pH conditions. The primary goal of this DoE project is developing an AEM with good chemical stability, ion conductivity, and separation performance in the strongly alkaline environment. New AEMs will be designed from the molecular scale up to be inherently resistant to chemical attacks and tolerant to extreme alkaline conditions, with improved hydroxide conductivity. A unique, scalable, fabrication process will be developed for fabrication of the proposed AEMs, which can be easily transitioned to large scale production. In Phase I the proposed anion exchange membranes for solar-hydrogen generating applications will be synthesized and optimized. The process to fabricate the membranes, with a unique scalable method that can further improve the AEMs’ performance, will be further developed. Finally, all AEMs developed will be evaluated for their performances, chemical resistance, and high pH tolerance. As part of Phase II, Triton will optimize the AEM design and fabrication for cost, reliability, performance, and efficient manufacturability. Based on a successful Phase II, Triton will work with our transition partner to bring the developed AEMs for use in solar-hydrogen generators to the market. Triton will support the test and validation to certify and qualify the AEMs for potential solar-hydrogen generators, as well as other fuel cell applications. Triton will develop manufacturing plans and capabilities to produce the materials for commercial markets.