Previous work in the Benicewicz Group has demonstrated enhanced electrochemical performance of PPA processed PBI membranes made from more rigid polymer backbone structures. Methods of PBI synthesis and membrane casting from an organic solvent cannot incorporate the more rigid PBIs due to their limited solubility. Recently, a method has been discovered in which a PBI gel membrane, made by the PPA process, is transformed into a dense PBI film. This method provides a synthetic route to PBI films without the use of any organic solvents. Even more remarkably, the dense PBI films can be re-doped to be used in electrochemical devices, including re-doping in phosphoric acid for high temperature fuel cells. The re-doped PBI films have displayed improved and unprecedented electrochemical properties compared to the starting PBI gel membranes. This talk will discuss both the process and properties of the new membranes in terms of mechanical properties, acid doping levels, and ionic conductivity. Membrane electrode assemblies were fabricated with standard platinum-based electrodes and tested as both high temperature fuel cells and electrochemical hydrogen separation (“hydrogen pump”) devices. Some distinct advantages of the new membranes will be highlighted.

Enhanced PPA process polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes and their use in high temperature fuel cells

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.