Article published Fuel cell
Membranes that protons can pass through in a straight line
The first proton exchange membrane designed specially for fuel cells (PEMFC) has been tested. Its efficiency is as high as that of the standard polymer currently in use.
“The first tests on fuel cells equipped with our patented membrane have shown that it is at least as efficient as Nafion®, the standard reference polymer made by Dupont de Nemours,” explain two IRAMIS* researchers, Thomas Berthelot and Marie-Claude Clochard. The inspiration for the new membranes was found in mitrochondria, the batteries of our own body cells, which use proteins as transmembrane channels for the purpose of proton exchange. To imitate the mitrochondrion, the researchers bombarded a PVDF polymer film with fast heavy ions produced by the GANIL accelerator**. The ions pass through the polymer, breaking chemical bonds along rectilinear routes 10 to 100 nm in diameter, generating radicals as they go. The researchers grafted polyelectrolytes to these radicals to create rectilinear nano-channels along which the protons travel. Result: a fine membrane that requires little water and offers good mechanical strength and high efficiency. “We are looking for partners,” says Thomas Berthelot, “to help us complete the first series of tests and enhance the strength and efficiency of the membranes. In other words, we want to increase proton transfer capacity, as well as improve chemical performance.”
* Institut Rayonnement Matière de Saclay.
** French large-scale, heavy-ion accelerator
