Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: New generations of materials are being sought as solid-state electrolytes that facilitate fast ion conduction in mechanically robust, yet thin, polymer membranes. Breakthroughs in device performance will usher in new applications and wide-spread adoption of novel power source technology as ion-conducting polymers are engineered to lower the ionic resistance in fuel cells and batteries, facilitate ion transfer and increase reaction rates at the electrolyte-electrode interface, and increase a device's tolerance to environmental excursions of temperature and relative humidity. This article describes the current state-of-the-art in our understanding of water-facilitated ion transport in polymeric membranes and provides some directions for future endeavors in the field, such as anion exchange membranes. Additionally, ties between ion-conducting polymer electrolytes and water treatment membranes are made to illustrate that the underlying mechanisms that control ion transport in fuel cell membranes may also be harnessed to catalyze the development of new membrane materials for water purification.
Source: Materials Today
Author: Michael A. Hickner
Institution: Pennsylvania State University
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $6,070
Funders: National Science Foundation, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, Institutes of Energy and the Environment, Pennsylvania State University, Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, Office of Naval Research, Division of Materials Research, Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems, Army Research Office
OpenAlex ID: W2032443462