Synthesis of hydrocarbon ionomers for fuel cell and electrolyser membranes

Green hydrogen generated through water electrolysis is growing in importance as a carbon free energy carrier for heavy duty electric vehicles. This 4-year ICASE studentship funded by EPSRC and Johnson Matthey targets the discovery of novel ion conducting polymers (ionomers) for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and electrolysers.[1] The project will provide excellent training in the field of polymeric materials and membrane technologies. It involves organic and polymer synthesis, analysis of the new materials (using NMR, IR, UV spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, GPC, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA) in addition to physical assessment of the polymeric materials via rheology and tensiometry. The project will involve close collaboration with the Ion Conducting Membrane Group at Johnson Matthey's Technology Centre based in South Oxfordshire where the Ph.D. student will evaluate novel membranes for ion conductivity, mechanical properties, and electrochemical performance