SOLID-STATE NMR STUDIES OF PROTON DYNAMICS IN NAFION / INORGANIC COMPOSITE MEMBRANES FOR FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

<p>The demand of energy is always increasing with continued growth of the human population. As mankind relies on oil as the main source of energy, which is finite and yet produces toxic by-products. The importance of alternative green energy sources cannot be underestimated. Fuel cells are an alternative source of green energy due to its high efficiency, without compromising the environment. In particular, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are one of the most highly sought-after fuel cells as a result of their application in the automobile industry reduce exhaust emissions.<br /><br />However, the life span and performance of PEMFCs are currently hampered by polymer degradation and high operating temperatures. In order to overcome these problems, various inorganic materials have been selected to be incorporated into the polymer electrolyte membrane. Nafion^® is the polymer electrolyte investigated in this thesis.<br /><br />This thesis documents the work involved in two separate projects with the common goals of enhancing overall Nafion performance: 1) doping of Nafion with Cel Mn oxides in order to improve Nafion durability and lifetime and 2) doping of Nafion with PWA to improve Nafion conductivity. Solid state NMR is the main technique used<br />throughout the investigation of these studies.</p>