Sustanion™ Membranes for Electrolyzers and Fuel Cells

This paper will discuss the properties of Sustanion™ membranes for electrolyzers and fuel cells. The membranes are based on a styrene backbone that has been functionalized with Imidazolium groups and other additives. Different formulations show conductivities between 30 and 70 mS/cm in KOH and are unexpectedly stable. A CO₂ electrolyzer has been run for 6 months at room temperature with no significant loss in performance. We observe CO₂ reduction currents up to 600 mA/cm² at 3.25 V. The closest competitor needs to go to 6.5 V to obtain similar currents. An alkaline water electrolyzer has been run for 200 hrs at 60 C in 1 M KOH. We observe currents of 1 A/cm² at voltages less than 2V. Again, 3 time higher than the closest competitor. We are expecting to offer these membranes for beta-testing by various academic groups. Please let us know if you are interested.