Temperature and Alkali Stable Polymer Electrolytes for Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide Alkaline Electrolysers
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Surrey
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
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Organisations
- University of Surrey (Lead Research Organisation)
- Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (Collaboration)
- STFC Laboratories (Collaboration)
- Pajarito Powder, LLC (Collaboration)
- University of Connecticut (Collaboration)
- University of South Carolina (Collaboration)
- U.S. Department of Energy (Collaboration)
- University of Technology, Malaysia (Collaboration)
- University of Science and Technology of China USTC (Collaboration)
- Autonomous University of Madrid (Collaboration)
- National Research Council (Collaboration)
- AFC Energy Ltd (Collaboration)
- Wuhan University (Collaboration)
- Apple (Collaboration)
- SINTEF (Collaboration)
- SWANSEA UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Colorado School of Mines (Collaboration)
- Institute of Nuclear and Energy Research (IPEN) (Collaboration)
Publications
Espiritu R
(2016)
Study on the effect of the degree of grafting on the performance of polyethylene-based anion exchange membrane for fuel cell application
in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Gonçalves Biancolli A
(2018)
ETFE-based anion-exchange membrane ionomer powders for alkaline membrane fuel cells: a first performance comparison of head-group chemistry
in Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Lu Y
(2017)
Halloysite-derived nitrogen doped carbon electrocatalysts for anion exchange membrane fuel cells
in Journal of Power Sources
Omasta T
(2018)
Importance of balancing membrane and electrode water in anion exchange membrane fuel cells
in Journal of Power Sources
Ponce-González J
(2016)
High performance aliphatic-heterocyclic benzyl-quaternary ammonium radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes
in Energy & Environmental Science
Ponce-González J
(2018)
Radiation-induced grafting of a butyl-spacer styrenic monomer onto ETFE: the synthesis of the most alkali stable radiation-grafted anion-exchange membrane to date
in Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Ponce-González J
(2018)
Commercial Monomer Availability Leading to Missed Opportunities? Anion-Exchange Membranes Made from meta -Vinylbenzyl Chloride Exhibit an Alkali Stability Enhancement
in ACS Applied Energy Materials
Rigdon W
(2017)
Carbonate Dynamics and Opportunities With Low Temperature, Anion Exchange Membrane-Based Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Separators
in Journal of Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage
Wang L
(2017)
Non-fluorinated pre-irradiation-grafted (peroxidated) LDPE-based anion-exchange membranes with high performance and stability
in Energy & Environmental Science
Willdorf-Cohen S
(2023)
Alkaline Stability of Anion-Exchange Membranes.
in ACS applied energy materials
| Description | Identified key new head-group chemistries (piperidinium, pyrrolidinium and a C4-spacer type) for alkali stable anion-exchange membranes and ionomers for use in alkaline membrane fuel cells and alkaline membrane alkaline water electrolysers. Identified that non-commercially-available 3-isomer of vinylbenzyl chloride produces more alkali stable anion-exchange membranes than the commercially available 4- and mixed-3/4-isomers. |
| Exploitation Route | Key findings are being used in EPSRC project EP/M014371/1 Fuel Cell Technologies for an Ammonia Economy as well as in a collaboration with AFC Energy plc. (who are looking into incorporating Surrey's anion-exchange membranes and ionomers into their own commercial systems). Key findings have led to new ideas on improving the chemical stabilities of anion-exchange membranes and ionomers: these are forming the basis of a new EPSRC grant proposal submitted in early 2020 (with Newcastle University and AFC Energy LoS) as well as an EU (H2020 and Fuel Cell and Hydrogen JU) programmes in 2019 [still awaiting funding decision]. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy,Environment |
| Description | Anion-exchange membrane findings being used by a UK fuel cell developer who is planning to launch a range of technologies in the next few years (2020 - 2022). Alkali stable head-group chemistries being ported into an EU consortium grant SELECTCO2 Selective Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to High Value Chemicals (Jan 2020 - Dec 2022), which involves an EU company who should be able to help Surrey exploit its IP. Multiple international collaborations started to assist with in situ and ex situ testing of its polymer electrolyte technologies. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
| Sector | Chemicals,Energy,Environment |
| Impact Types | Cultural |
| Description | Design and Regulation of Anion Exchange Membranes for Alkaline Polyelectrolyte Fuel Cells (collaboration with USTC Hefei) |
| Amount | ¥2,430,000 (CNY) |
| Funding ID | 21720102003 |
| Organisation | National Natural Science Foundation of China |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | China |
| Start | 01/2018 |
| End | 12/2022 |
| Description | HAPEEL: collaboration with SINTEF (Trondheim) |
| Amount | kr 10,427,000 (NOK) |
| Funding ID | 268019 |
| Organisation | Research Council of Norway |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Norway |
| Start | 09/2017 |
| End | 09/2020 |
| Description | High Spec Raman Spectrometer Regional Facility (Equipment Business Case) |
| Amount | £350,780 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/M022749/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2015 |
| End | 08/2018 |
| Description | ISIS BeamTime Application - RB1620449 (SANS2D 1 day) |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RB1620449 |
| Organisation | Rutherford Appleton Laboratory |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2017 |
| End | 02/2017 |
| Description | Muon Level Crossing Resonance Studies of Anion-exchange Membranes under Different Humidities |
| Amount | £70,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RB1520483 |
| Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
| Department | ISIS Neutron and Muon Source |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2015 |
| End | 10/2015 |
| Description | Prof Mustain Fulbright Scholarship |
| Amount | $12,000 (USD) |
| Funding ID | Prof William Mustain Scholarship |
| Organisation | US-UK Fulbright Commission |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2016 |
| End | 08/2016 |
| Description | RAEng Distinguishing Visiting Fellowship (Round 5) |
| Amount | £4,495 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | Prof Mohamed Nasef DVF |
| Organisation | Royal Academy of Engineering |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2016 |
| End | 10/2016 |
| Description | REDAEM: Anion-Exchange Membranes for Reverse Electrodialysis |
| Amount | £779,015 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/R044163/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2018 |
| End | 09/2021 |
| Description | SELECTCO2: selective Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to High Value Chemicals |
| Amount | € 3,971,832 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | 851441 |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 01/2020 |
| End | 12/2022 |
| Description | Collaboration iwith STFC (ISIS) |
| Organisation | STFC Laboratories |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Supply of membranes for testing on ISIS SANS and Muon facilities |
| Collaborator Contribution | Experimental design, membrane testing and results analysis. |
| Impact | SANS and Muon data to date (results being analysed). |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Collaboration with AFC Energy |
| Organisation | AFC Energy Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Supply of anion-exchange membranes and ionomers to AFC Energy |
| Collaborator Contribution | Testing of Surrey materials in AFC Energy small alkaline fuel cell test set-ups. |
| Impact | AFC Energy and Surrey have signed a non-exclusive agreement. Two Innovate UK applications submitted (2017 and 2018): Both unsuccessful so a consultancy agreement is currently being discussed and planned to move things forward. AFC Energy employed a the PDRA from grant EP/M005933/1 in Jan 2018. She was helping AFC Energy take Surrey's current AEM technologies forward and trying to integrate into their systems for a future commercialisation opportunity. She has now moved back to Spain working as a Business Consultant. AFC Energy are fully funding a PhD student (part time 2019 - 2025). See further funding. Again, this is to help commercialisation of Surrey's AEM technologies. AFC to provide letter of support for an EPSRC proposal that was submitted in early 2019 (EP/T009233/1): very generous support including hosting the PCRA for 6 months at the end of the project to try and commercialise what is developed in the project. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Collaboration with ICCOM at CNR (Italy) |
| Organisation | National Research Council |
| Country | Italy |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Supplied anion-exchange membranes and ionomer powders to ICCOM |
| Collaborator Contribution | Supply of anode and cathode catalysts (developed at ICCOM) to test in Surrey Alkali Membrane Fuel Cells |
| Impact | Led to a Royal Society - CNR International Exchange programme grant award in Jan 2018 (grant IES\R3\170134). Joint papers published: J. J. Ogada, A. K. Ipadeola, P. V. Mwonga, A. B. Haruna, F. Nichols, S. Chen, H. A. Miller, M. V. Pagliaro, F. Vizza, J. R. Varcoe, D. Motta Meira, D. M. Wamwangi, K. I. Ozoemena, "CeO2 Modulates the Electronic States of a Palladium Onion-Like Carbon Interface into a Highly Active and Durable Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Oxidation in Anion-Exchange-Membrane Fuel Cells", ACS Catalysis, 12, 7014 (2022). R. Ren, X. Wang, H. Chen, H. A. Miller, I. Salam, J. R. Varcoe, L. Wu, Y. Chen, H.-G. Liao, E. Liu, F. Bartoli, F. Vizza, Q. Jia, Q. He, "Reshaping the Cathodic Catalyst Layer for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: From Heterogeneous Catalysis to Homogeneous Catalysis", Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 60, 4049 (2021). H. A. Miller, M. V. Pagliaro, M. Bellini, F. Bartoli, L. Wang, I. Salam, J. R. Varcoe, F. Vizza, "Integration of a Pd-CeO2/C Anode with Pt and Pt-Free Cathode Catalysts in High Power Density Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells", ACS Appl. Energy Mater., 3, 10209 (2020). M. Bellini, M. V. Pagliaro, A. Lenarda, P. Fornasiero, M. Marelli, C. Evangelisti, M. Innocenti, Q. Jia, S. Mukerjee, J. Jankovic, L. Wang, J. R. Varcoe, C. B. Krishnamurthy, I. Grinberg, E. Davydova, D. R. Dekel, H. A. Miller, F. Vizza, "Palladium-Ceria Catalysts with Enhanced Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Activity for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells", ACS Appl. Energy Mater., 2, 4999 (2019). R Ren, S Zhang, HA Miller, F Vizza, JR Varcoe, Q He, "Facile preparation of novel cardo Poly (oxindolebiphenylylene) with pendent quaternary ammonium by superacid-catalysed polyhydroxyalkylation reaction for anion exchange membranes", Journal of Membrane Science, 591, 117320 (2019). L. Wang, M. Bellini, H. A. Miller, J. R. Varcoe, "A high conductivity ultrathin anion-exchange membrane with 500+ h alkali stability for use in alkaline membrane fuel cells that can achieve 2 W per square cm at 80 degC", J. Mater. Chem. A, 6, 15404 (2018). Research exchanges 2018-2022. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Collaboration with Prof Dekel (Technion) |
| Organisation | Technion - Israel Institute of Technology |
| Department | The Wolfson Department of Chemical Engineering |
| Country | Israel |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Supply of anion-exchange membranes and ionomer powders to Technion. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Testing of Surrey materials in Technion systems (including humidity controlled degradation set-up). |
| Impact | Letter of support for EPSRC grant EP/X032345/1 (awaiting referee comments). Joint papers published: S. Willdorf-Cohen, A. Zhegur-Khais, J. Ponce-González, S. Bsoul-Haj, J. R. Varcoe, C. E. Diesendruck, D. R. Dekel, "Alkaline Stability of Anion-Exchange Membranes", ACS Appl. Energy Mater., 6, 1085 (2023). K. Aggarwal, N. Gjineci, A. Kaushansky, S. Bsoul, J. C. Douglin, S. Li, I. Salam, S. Aharonovich, J. R. Varcoe, D. R. Dekel, C. E. Diesendruck, "Isoindolinium Groups as Stable Anion Conductors for Anion- Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers", ACS Mater. Au, 2, 367 (2022). S. Haj-Bsoul, J. R. Varcoe, D. R. Dekel, "Measuring the alkaline stability of anion-exchange membranes", J. Electroanal. Chem., 908, 116112 (2022). J. C. Douglin, R. K. Singh, S. Haj-Bsoul, S. Li, J. Biemolt, N. Yan, J. R. Varcoe, G. Rothenburg, D. R. Dekel, "A high-temperature anion-exchange membrane fuel cell with a critical raw material-free cathode",Chem. Eng. J. Adv., 8, 100153 (2021). J. C. Douglin, J. R. Varcoe, D. R. Dekel, "A high-temperature anion-exchange membrane fuel cell", J. Power Sources Adv., 5, 100023 (2020). J. Muller, A. Zhegur, U. Krewer, J. R. Varcoe, D. R. Dekel, "A practical ex-situ technique to measure the chemical stability of anion-exchange membranes under conditions simulating fuel cell environment", ACS Mater. Lett., 2, 168 (2020). M. Bellini, M. V. Pagliaro, A. Lenarda, P. Fornasiero, M. Marelli, C. Evangelisti, M. Innocenti, Q. Jia, S. Mukerjee, J. Jankovic, L. Wang, J. R. Varcoe, C. B. Krishnamurthy, I. Grinberg, E. Davydova, D. R. Dekel, H. A. Miller, F. Vizza, "Palladium-Ceria Catalysts with Enhanced Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Activity for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells", ACS Appl. Energy Mater., 2, 4999 (2019). Y. Zheng, U. Ash, R. P. Pandey, A. G. Ozioko, J. Ponce-González, M. Handl, T. Weissbach, J. R. Varcoe, S. Holdcroft, M. W. Liberatore, R. Hiesgen, D. R. Dekel, "Water Uptake Study of Anion Exchange Membranes", Macromolecules, 51, 3264 (2018). |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Collaboration with Prof Nasef (UTM) |
| Organisation | University of Technology, Malaysia |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Scientific discussion on Radiation-grafted. Testing of UTM materials in Surrey's fuel cells and Raman Instrument. Hosted Prof Nasef at Surrey (see outputs) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Discussion of Surrey results and input into a paper on Surrey's materials. |
| Impact | L. Wang, E. Magliocca, E. L. Cunningham, W. E. Mustain, S. D. Poynton, R. Escudero-Cid, M. M. Nasef, J. Ponce-Gonzalez, R. Bance-Souahli, R. C. T. Slade, D. K. Whelligan, J. R. Varcoe, "An optimised synthesis of high performance radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes", Green Chem., 19, 831-843 (2017). Prof Nasef being awarded a RAEng Distinguished Visting Fellowship in May 2016 for his 1 month research visit to Surrey in Aug 2016. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Collaboration with Swansea University |
| Organisation | Swansea University |
| Department | College of Engineering |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Supply of Surrey anion-exchange polymer electrolyte powders to Dr Paolo Bertoncello's group. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Testing Surrey's ionomer powders in electrochemical sensor applications. |
| Impact | None to date. A possible joint grant is envisaged if initial results look promising. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Collaboration with Universidad Autónoma de Madrid |
| Organisation | Autonomous University of Madrid |
| Department | Department of Applied Physical Chemistry |
| Country | Spain |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Hosted UAM students and postdocs for joint reserch projects at Surrey. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Paid for some of the costs for student and postdoc visits to Surrey. |
| Impact | A. L. Gonçalves Biancolli, D. Herranz, L. Wang, G. Stehlikova, R. Bance-Soualhi, J. Ponce-Gonzalez, P. Ocon, E. A. Ticianelli, D. K. Whelligan, J. R. Varcoe, E. I. Santiago, "ETFE-based anion-exchange membrane ionomer powders for alkaline membrane fuel cells: a first performance comparison of head-group chemistry", J. Mater. Chem. A, 6, 24330 (2018). L. Wang, E. Magliocca, E. L. Cunningham, W. E. Mustain, S. D. Poynton, R. Escudero-Cid, M. M. Nasef, J. Ponce-Gonzalez, R. Bance-Souahli, R. C. T. Slade, D. K. Whelligan, J. R. Varcoe, "An optimised synthesis of high performance radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes", Green Chem., 19, 831-843 (2017). S. D. Poynton, R. C. T. Slade, T. Omasta, W. E. Mustain, R. Escudero Cid, P. Ocón, J. R. Varcoe, "Preparation of radiation-grafted powders for use as anion exchange ionomers in alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells", J. Mater. Chem. A, 2, 5124 (2014). |
| Start Year | 2014 |
| Description | Collaboration with Wuhan University |
| Organisation | Wuhan University |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Supplied polymer electrolyte membranes and powders to Wuhan University for testing in their fuel cell systems with their ionomers. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Testing Surrey membranes in their alkaline fuel cell systems. Obtained Chinese funding to allow John Varcoe (Fellow) to visit Wuhan in 2015. |
| Impact | J. Ponce-Gonzalez, D. K. Whelligan, L. Wang, R. Bance-Soualhi, Y. Wang, Y. Peng, H. Peng, D. C. Apperley, H. N. Sarode, T. P. Pandey, A. G. Divekar, S. Seifert, A. M. Herring, L. Zhuang, J. R. Varcoe, "High performance aliphatic-heterocyclic benzyl-quaternary ammonium radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes", Energy Environ. Sci., 9, 3724 (2016). J. R. Varcoe, P. Atanassov, D. R. Dekel, A. M. Herring, M. A. Hickner, P. A. Kohl, A. R. Kucernak, W. E. Mustain, K. Nijmeijer, K. Scott, T. Xu, L. Zhuang, "Anion-exchange membranes in electrochemical energy systems", Energy Environ. Sci., 7, 3135 (2014). |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Colloboration with Colorado School of Mines (Golden, CO, USA) |
| Organisation | Colorado School of Mines |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Membrane supply and CSM conducting experiments on membranes |
| Collaborator Contribution | Extensive specialist testing of Surrey membranes and ionomers (DSC, dielectric, IR microscopy, SAXS, specialist NMR) |
| Impact | Joint papers: J. Ponce-Gonzalez, D. K. Whelligan, L. Wang, R. Bance-Soualhi, Y. Wang, Y. Peng, H. Peng, D. C. Apperley, H. N. Sarode, T. P. Pandey, A. G. Divekar, S. Seifert, A. M. Herring, L. Zhuang, J. R. Varcoe, "High performance aliphatic-heterocyclic benzyl-quaternary ammonium radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes", Energy Environ. Sci., 9, 3724 (2016). M. A. Vandiver, B. R. Caire, J. R. Carver, K. Waldrop, M. R. Hibbs, J. R. Varcoe, A. M. Herring, M. W. Liberatore, "Mechanical characterization of anion exchange membranes by extensional rheology under controlled hydration", J. Electrochem. Soc., 161, H677 (2014). J. R. Varcoe, P. Atanassov, D. R. Dekel, A. M. Herring, M. A. Hickner, P. A. Kohl, A. R. Kucernak, W. E. Mustain, K. Nijmeijer, K. Scott, T. Xu, L. Zhuang, "Anion-exchange membranes in electrochemical energy systems", Energy Environ. Sci., 7, 3135 (2014). T. P. Pandey, A. M. Maes, H. N. Sarode, B. D Peters, S. Lavinia, Ki Vezzu, Y. Yang, S. Poynton, J. R. Varcoe, S. Seifert, M. Liberatore, V. Di Noto, A. Herring, "Interplay between water uptake, ion interactions, and conductivity in an e-beam grafted poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) anion exchange membrane", Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 17, 4367 (2015). |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | Elisabete Santiago FAPESP |
| Organisation | Institute of Nuclear and Energy Research (IPEN) |
| Country | Brazil |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Hosted Dr Elisabete Santiago as visiting postdoc for 1 year research visit at Surrey (Department of Chemistry). Joint Surrey-IPEN (EPSRC-FAPESP) bid submitted 9th Sept 2022 (EPSRC EP/X032345/1): awaiting referee comments. |
| Collaborator Contribution | FAPESP provided the funds to allow the research visit. |
| Impact | Paper published: A. L. Gonçalves Biancolli, D. Herranz, L. Wang, G. Stehlikova, R. Bance-Soualhi, J. Ponce-Gonzalez, P. Ocon, E. A. Ticianelli, D. K. Whelligan, J. R. Varcoe, E. I. Santiago, "ETFE-based anion-exchange membrane ionomer powders for alkaline membrane fuel cells: a first performance comparison of head-group chemistry", J. Mater. Chem. A, 6, 24330 (2018). |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Exploratory discussions between Apple Inc (USA) and University of Surrey |
| Organisation | Apple |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | NDA signed between Apple and Surrey. MTA now being discussed so Apple can evaluate Surrey Anion-Exchange Membrane technologies in a confidential system. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Apple paid for a trip by Prof John Varcoe (via consultancy agreement) to visit them to present their openly available results to date and to discuss further steps. |
| Impact | None |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | NREL collaboration |
| Organisation | U.S. Department of Energy |
| Department | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Supply of anion-exchange membranes and ionomers powders. |
| Collaborator Contribution | NREL is conducting some performance and durability testing on Surrey materials. |
| Impact | John Varcoe visit to NREL April 2019. Joint paper being planned. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Parajito Powder |
| Organisation | Pajarito Powder, LLC |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Supply of anion-exchange polymer electrolytes. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Testing of Surrey materials in electrochemical systems like alkaline electrolysers. |
| Impact | None to date but joint papers planned. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | SINTEF |
| Organisation | SINTEF |
| Country | Norway |
| Sector | Multiple |
| PI Contribution | Letter of support written for SINTEFs grant application. Surrey is currently testing SINTEF catalysts in their anion-exchange membrane fuel cells. |
| Collaborator Contribution | SINTEF to apply for a grant to Norwegian Research Council for a joint project on anion-exchange membranes for hydrogen electrolysers. |
| Impact | Grant application submitted and funded. The award includes funds for travel and testing of Surrey's anion-exchange polymer electrolytes in SINTEF electrolyser systems. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | University of Surrey - University of Connecticut (USA) |
| Organisation | University of Connecticut |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Development of low temperature carbonate fuel cells containing anion-exchange membranes. Materials exchange; Planned future researcher exchange; Testing UConn catalysts in Surrey fuel cell systems |
| Collaborator Contribution | Testing of Surrey materials in fuel cells and electrochemical devices for the electroreduction of carbon dioxide. |
| Impact | Prof Mustain (lead collaborator at the University of Connecticut) has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and will be working at Surrey for 4 months in 2016. L. Wang, E. Magliocca, E. L. Cunningham, W. E. Mustain, S. D. Poynton, R. Escudero-Cid, M. M. Nasef, J. Ponce-Gonzalez, R. Bance-Souahli, R. C. T. Slade, D. K. Whelligan, J. R. Varcoe, "An optimised synthesis of high performance radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes", Green Chem., 19, 831-843 (2017). J. R. Varcoe, P. Atanassov, D. R. Dekel, A. M. Herring, M. A. Hickner, P. A. Kohl, A. R. Kucernak, W. E. Mustain, K. Nijmeijer, K. Scott, T. Xu, L. Zhuang, "Anion-exchange membranes in electrochemical energy systems", Energy Environ. Sci., 7, 3135 (2014). |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | University of Surrey - University of Science and Technology of China (Hefei, PR China) |
| Organisation | University of Science and Technology of China USTC |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Developing new membrane chemistries for alkaline anion-exchange membrane fuel cells. Exchange of materials. Testing of USTC Hefei membranes in Surrey Fuel Cell Test Stations |
| Collaborator Contribution | Supply of USTC Hefei membranes to test in Surrey Fuel Cell Test Stations |
| Impact | NSFC joint grant awarded (NSFC grant 21720102003). Joint papers published: J. Zhang, Y. He, K. Zhang, X. Liang, R. Bance-Soualhi, Y. Zhu, X. Ge, M. A. Shehzad, W. Yu, Z. Ge, L. Wu, J. R. Varcoe, T. W. Xu, "Cation-dipole interaction that creates ordered ion channels in an anion exchange membrane for fast OH- conduction", AIChE J., 67, e17133 (2021). X. Liang, M. A. Shehzad, Y. Zhu, L. Wang, X. Ge, J. Zhang, Z. Yang, L. Wu, J. R. Varcoe, T. Xu, "Ionomer Cross-linking Immobilization of Catalyst Nanoparticles for High Performance Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell", Chemistry of Materials, 31, 7812 (2019).Y. Zhu, L. Ding, X. Liang, M. A. Shehzad, L. Wang, X. Ge, Y. He, L. Wu, J. R. Varcoe, T. Xu, "Beneficial use of rotatable-spacer side-chains in alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells" Energy Environ. Sci., 11, 3472 (2018). L. Wu, Q. Pan, J. R. Varcoe, D. Zhou, J. Ran, Z. Yang, T. Xu, "Thermal Crosslinking of an Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane Bearing Unsaturated Side Chains", J. Membr. Sci., 490, 1 (2015). X. Lin, X. Liang, S. D. Poynton, J. R. Varcoe, A. Ong, J. Ran, Y. Li, Q. Li, T. Xu, "Alkaline anion exchange membranes containing pendant benzimidazolium groups for alkaline fuel cells", J. Membr. Sci., 443, 193 (2013). X. Lin, J. R. Varcoe, S. D. Poynton, X. Liang, A. Ong, J. Ran, Y. Li, T. Xu, "Alkaline polymer electrolytes containing pendant dimethylimidazolium groups for alkaline membrane fuel cells", J. Mater. Chem. A, 1, 7262 (2013). X. Lin, Y. Liu, S. D. Poynton, A. Ong, J. R. Varcoe, L. Wu, Y. Li, X. Liang, Q. Li, T. Xu, "Cross-linked anion exchange membranes for alkaline fuel cells synthesized using a solvent free strategy", J. Power Sources, 233, 259 (2013). Z. Zhang, L. Wu, J. Varcoe, C. Li, A. Ong, S. Poynton, T. Xu, "Aromatic polyelectrolytes via polyacylation of pre-quaternized monomers for alkaline fuel cells.", J. Mater. Chem. A, 1, 2595 (2013). X. Lin, L. Wu, Y. Liu, A. L. Ong, S. D. Poynton, J. R. Varcoe, T. Xu, "Alkali resistant and conductive guanidinium-based anion-exchange membranes for alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells", J. Power Sources, 217, 373 (2012). J. Ran, L. Wu, J. R. Varcoe, A. L. Ong, S. D. Poynton, T. Xu, "Development of imidazolium-type alkaline anion exchange membranes for fuel cell application", J. Membr. Sci., 415-416, 242 (2012). Y. Wu, C. Wu, J. R. Varcoe, S. D. Poynton, T. Xu, Y. Fu, "Novel silica/poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) hybrid anion exchange membranes for alkaline fuel cells: effect of silica content and the single cell performance", J. Power Sources, 195, 3069 (2010). |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| Description | University of Surrey - University of South Carolina (USA) |
| Organisation | University of South Carolina |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Surrey has supplied anion-exchange membranes and powder ionomers for Prof William Mustain's group at USC to evaluate performance and durability in alkaline membarne fuel cells. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Produced durability data that cannot be done at Surrey. |
| Impact | Several joint papers have been produced and several more planned for 2019/2020: Published to date: H. Adabi, A. Shakouri, N. U. Hassan, J. R. Varcoe, B. Zulevi, A. Serov, J. R. Regalbuto, W. E. Mustain, "High-performing commercial Fe-N-C cathode electrocatalyst for anion-exchange membrane fuel cells", Nature Energy, 6, 834 (2021). Y. Zheng, G. Huang, M. Mandal, J. R. Varcoe, P. A. Kohl, W. E. Mustain, "Editors' Choice-Power-Generating Electrochemical CO2 Scrubbing from Air Enabling Practical AEMFC Application", J. Electrochem. Soc., 168, 024504 (2021). X. Peng, D. Kulkarni, Y. Huang, T. J. Omasta, B. Ng, Y. Zheng, L. Wang, J. M. LaManna, D. S. Hussey, J. R. Varcoe, I. V. Zenyuk, W. E. Mustain, "Using operando techniques to understand and design high performance and stable alkaline membrane fuel cells", Nature Commun., 11, 3561 (2020). L. Wang, X. Peng, W. E. Mustain, J. R. Varcoe, "Radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes: the switch from low- to high-density polyethylene leads to remarkably enhanced fuel cell performance", Energy Environ. Sci., 12, 1575 (2019). [Raw data (CC-BY) is available at DOI: 10.15126/surreydata.8050274] Y. Zheng, T. J. Omasta, X. Peng, L. Wang, J. R. Varcoe, B. S. Pivovar, W. E. Mustain, "Quantifying and elucidating the effect of CO2 on the thermodynamics, kinetics and charge transport of AEMFCs", Energy Environ. Sci., 12, 2806 (2019). X. Peng, T. J. Omasta, E. Magliocca, L. Wang, J. R. Varcoe, W. E. Mustain, "N-doped Carbon CoOx Nanohybrids: The First Precious Metal Free Cathode to Achieve 1.0 W/cm2 Peak Power and 100 h Life in Anion-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells" Angew. Chem. Intl. Ed., 58, 1046 (2019). T. J. Omasta, A. M. Park, J. M. LaManna, Y. Zhang, X. Peng, L. Wang, D. L. Jacobson, J. R. Varcoe, D. S. Hussey, B. S. Pivovar, W. E. Mustain, "Beyond Catalysis and Membranes: Visualizing and Solving the Challenge of Electrode Water Accumulation and Flooding in AEMFCs", Energy Environ. Sci., 11, 551 (2018). T. J. Omasta, L. Wang, X. Peng, C. A. Lewis, J. R. Varcoe, W. E. Mustain, "Importance of balancing membrane and electrode water in anion exchange membrane fuel cells", J. Power Sources, 375, 205 (2018). Travis J. Omasta, Yufeng Zhang, Andrew M. Park, Xiong Peng, Bryan Pivovar, John R. Varcoe,4 and William E. Mustain, "Strategies for Reducing the PGM Loading in High Power AEMFC Anodes", Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 165, F710 (2018). Travis J. Omasta, Xiong Peng, Hamish A. Miller, Francesco Vizza, Lianqin Wang, John R. Varcoe, Dario R. Dekel, and William E. Mustain, "Beyond 1.0Wcm-2 Performance without Platinum: The Beginning of a New Era in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells", Journal of Electrochemical Society, 165, J3039 (2018). |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | A talk to the sixth form of the Oratory School (Reading) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A talk on "Chemistry's role in future clean energy technologies". |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Departmental Colloquia at UClan (Jan 2016) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Presentation on the use of anion-exchange membranes in electrochemical devices. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Guildford College Talk (June 2016) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Discussion on what studying Chemistry is like at University as well as discussing various forms of electrochemical clean energy technologies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Latest developments in radiation-grafted anion-exchange polymer electrolytes for application in alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (CARISMA 2014, Cape Town) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | paper presentation |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talked sparked Q&A. This talk let to the discussions that led to the work on Muons and SANS (at ISIS, RAL, UK). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.carisma2014.com/ |
| Description | Radiation-Grafted Anion-Exchange Polymer Electrolytes for Clean Energy Applications (Invited Lecture - Electrochemical Society Meeting Glasgow July 2015) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | keynote/invited speaker |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talk sparked Q&A. Increased international awareness of current EPSRC programmes: EP/M014371/1 Fuel Cell Technologies for an Ammonia Economy, EP/M005933/1 Temperature and Alkali Stable Polymer Electrolytes for Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide Alkaline Electrolysers, and EP/M022749/1 High Spec Raman Spectrometer Regional Facility. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.electrochem.org/meetings/satellite/glasgow/speakers/ |
| Description | Radiation-grafted anion exchange membranes for alkaline water electrolysers (Postdoc Julia Ponce Poster, RSC Recent Appointments in Materials Science Meeting Warwick Sept 2015) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | poster presentation |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Poster stimulated Q&A Training for postdoc and increasing her awareness of other materials science in the UK outside of her field. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://rams2015.org/ |
| Description | Radiation-grafted polymer electrolyte materials for electrochemical energy technologies (18th Chinese Electrochemical Society Meeting) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | paper presentation |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talk sparked questions. Possible UK-China joint applications to the Royal Society International Exchange Scheme. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Radiation-grafted polymer electrolytes for electrochemical energy technologies (Invited Talk - 7th International Fuel Cell Workshop, Kofu Japan) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | keynote/invited speaker |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talk sparked Q&A. Nothing to date. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://fc-nano.yamanashi.ac.jp/english/ifcw/index2015.html |