Development of nonvolatile fast proton-transport materials. There are many problems with existing proton-transport materials for emerging fuel cell applications such as electric vehicles. A high proton conductivity and high thermal stability are some of the requirements for fuel cell electrolytes. The aims of this project are to develop nonvolatile proton-transport matrices based on zwitterionic liquids with various acids, develop polymer gel materials based on these, and characterize these ne ....Development of nonvolatile fast proton-transport materials. There are many problems with existing proton-transport materials for emerging fuel cell applications such as electric vehicles. A high proton conductivity and high thermal stability are some of the requirements for fuel cell electrolytes. The aims of this project are to develop nonvolatile proton-transport matrices based on zwitterionic liquids with various acids, develop polymer gel materials based on these, and characterize these new proton-transport materials by analyzing ionic conductivity, viscosity, thermal behaviors, and their interrelationships.Read moreRead less
New Materials for Energy Capture and Conversion: Ionic Liquid-derived Conducting Polymers. Inherently conducting polymers (ICPs) have applications in a wide range of electrochemical devices including actuators, for artificial muscles, and photovoltaic cells for harnessing solar energy. Use of an ionic liquid as the electrolyte within these devices greatly increases the stability and cyclability of the ICP. Our preliminary work shows that an ionic liquid solvent in the synthesis of ICPs results i ....New Materials for Energy Capture and Conversion: Ionic Liquid-derived Conducting Polymers. Inherently conducting polymers (ICPs) have applications in a wide range of electrochemical devices including actuators, for artificial muscles, and photovoltaic cells for harnessing solar energy. Use of an ionic liquid as the electrolyte within these devices greatly increases the stability and cyclability of the ICP. Our preliminary work shows that an ionic liquid solvent in the synthesis of ICPs results in materials with dramatically different morphologies and improved electronic properties. Ionic liquids will be used to prepare ICPs with enhanced electrical and mechanical properties and prototype photovoltaic and actuator devices will be developed based on these new materials.Read moreRead less
Advanced Polymer Electrolytes for Device Applications. The future of an energy sustainable society relies upon the development of a range of technologies that will involve devices such as lithium batteries, supercapacitors, sensors and fuel cells. One of the key challenges is the discovery and development of high performance materials which overcome performance limiting issues such as conductivity, durability and stability in current devices. Our recent discovery of novel successful approaches ....Advanced Polymer Electrolytes for Device Applications. The future of an energy sustainable society relies upon the development of a range of technologies that will involve devices such as lithium batteries, supercapacitors, sensors and fuel cells. One of the key challenges is the discovery and development of high performance materials which overcome performance limiting issues such as conductivity, durability and stability in current devices. Our recent discovery of novel successful approaches to the design of improved electrolyte materials will be systematically exploited to develop materials that will provide the significant advance in device performance that is required.Read moreRead less