Coordination Polymer Proton Conductor for High-Temperature Fuel Cells
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid polymer fuel cells require complex moisture control systems due to low operation temperatures and humidity-dependent ion conductivity, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A proton conductor composed of a coordination polymer with stoichiometric metal ions, oxoanions, and proton coordinating molecules, forming non-crystalline structures that maintain high ion conductivity at temperatures above 100°C without the need for humidification, utilizing metal ions like cadmium and oxoanions like phosphate ions, along with additives like metal oxides and organic polymers to enhance conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrolyte materials operate at low temperatures below 100°C, then ion conduction occurs through moisture in the film, but a moisture control system is required which increases system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating temperature parameter from below 100°C to 100°C or higher, which fundamentally alters the ion conduction mechanism from moisture-dependent to intrinsic conductivity, eliminating the need for moisture control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the moisture control system from the fuel cell architecture by using electrolyte materials that maintain high ion conductivity through intrinsic properties rather than environmental moisture, thereby simplifying the overall system
2Reliability
If electrolyte materials operate under humidification conditions, then ion conductivity is maintained, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte material provides self-service by maintaining its own ion conductivity through intrinsic properties at elevated temperatures without requiring external humidification systems, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
3Reliability
If the proton conductor uses a non-crystalline structure, then high ion conductivity is achieved at high temperature, but structural organization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the structural parameter from crystalline to non-crystalline (amorphous) phase, which eliminates grain boundaries and structural defects that impede ion transport, thereby achieving superior ion conductivity at high operating temperatures
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 achieves high ion conductivity at elevated temperatures without the need for humidification, simplifying the fuel cell system and reducing costs by eliminating the requirement for moisture control, while maintaining performance across a range of temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a coordination polymer having stoichiometrically metal ions, oxoanions, and proton coordinating molecules capable of undergoing protonation or deprotonation. The coordination polymer including coordination entities that are repeatedly coordinated to bond the coordination entities with one another
Implementation Method 2
proton coordinating molecules capable of undergoing protonation or deprotonation
Data Source
AI summary
A proton conductor includes a coordination polymer having stoichiometrically metal ions, oxoanions, and proton coordinating molecules capable of undergoing protonation or deprotonation. The coordination polymer including coordination entities that are repeatedly coordinated to bond the coordination entities with one another. Each coordination entity is either a first coordination entity or a second coordination entity. The first coordination entity is one metal ion of the metal ions coordinated with either at least one oxoanion of the oxoanions or at least one proton coordinating molecule of the proton coordinating molecules. The second coordination entity is the metal ion coordinated with each of at least one oxoanion of the oxoanions and at least one proton coordinating molecule of the proton coordinating molecules. At least a part of the proton conductor is non-crystalline. The proton conductor has high ion conductivity at high temperature.