Coordination Polymer Proton Conductor for Dry High-Temp Fuel Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells fail to exhibit satisfactory ionic conductivity and stability at temperatures of 100° C. or higher without humidification due to water evaporation, leading to performance issues and the need for complex moisture control systems.
Innovation Solution
A proton conductor composed of a metal ion, oxoanion, and a molecule capable of protonation or deprotonation, which coordinates to form a coordination polymer, allowing for high-temperature operation without water, thereby maintaining ionic conductivity and stability even in dry conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If customary proton-exchange membrane fuel cells use water as proton carrier, then ionic conduction can be achieved at low temperatures, but water evaporation occurs at high temperatures leading to poor ionic conductivity and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of proton carrier from water-based to solid-state coordination polymer. The coordination polymer maintains high proton concentration and ionic conductivity through its solid-state structure, eliminating temperature-dependent water evaporation issues while enabling high-temperature operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite coordination polymer structure combining metal ions, oxoanions, and proton-donating molecules. This composite material integrates the advantages of ionic conduction, structural stability, and high-temperature resistance, achieving both high temperature operation and reliable ionic conductivity
2Productivity
If water is used as proton carrier, then ionic conduction is enabled, but moisture control systems are required to prevent water loss at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts water from the proton conduction system, replacing it with a solid-state coordination polymer that inherently contains high proton concentration. This eliminates the need for external moisture control systems while maintaining efficient ionic conduction
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination polymer structure itself provides the proton carrier function through its intrinsic molecular structure. The solid-state material self-maintains its proton concentration without requiring external water supply or moisture control mechanisms
3Reliability
If liquid electrolyte is used, then ionic conduction is achieved, but liquid leakage and reactions with electrode components occur causing fuel cell impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid coordination polymer. This phase change eliminates liquid-related harmful effects such as leakage and uncontrolled chemical reactions, while maintaining efficient proton conduction through the solid-state structure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proton conductor enables fuel cells to operate efficiently at high temperatures with no or little humidification, eliminating the need for moisture control systems and preventing liquid-related impairments, thus enhancing performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the oxoanion and/or the molecule capable of undergoing protonation or deprotonation coordinates to the metal ion to form a coordination polymer
Implementation Method 2
a molecule capable of undergoing protonation or deprotonation, in which the oxoanion and/or the molecule capable of undergoing protonation or deprotonation coordinates to the metal ion
Implementation Method 3
The proton conductor performs ionic conduction without the medium of water
Implementation Method 4
The molecule capable of undergoing protonation or deprotonation coordinates to the metal or interacts with the oxoanion through hydrogen bonding or coulomb coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A proton conductor includes a metal ion, an oxoanion, and a molecule capable of undergoing protonation or deprotonation, in which at least one of the oxoanion and the molecule capable of undergoing protonation or deprotonation coordinates to the metal ion to form a coordination polymer. The oxoanion is preferably a monomer. The oxoanion is exemplified by at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphate ion, hydrogenphosphate ion, and dihydrogenphosphate ion. The molecule capable of undergoing protonation or deprotonation is exemplified by at least one selected from the group consisting of imidazole, triazole, benzimidazole, benzotriazole, and derivatives thereof.