Fuel cells are one of the oldest sustainable energy generation devices, converting chemical energy into electrical energy via reverse-electrolysis reactions. With the rapid development of polymer science, solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membranes replaced the conventional liquid ion transport media, rendering low-temperature fuel cells more accessible for applications in portable electronics and transportation. However, SPE fuel cells are still far from commercialization due to high operation cost, and insufficient lifetime and performance limitations. Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are inexpensive alternatives to current proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology, which relies on utilizing expensive noble-metal catalysts and perfluorinated SPE materials. Unlike PEMFCs, there is not an ideal AEM material that provides efficient ion transport, while being mechanically robust and chemically stable under strong alkaline conditions. The objectives of this dissertation are to investigate macromolecular design parameters to obtain robust membranes with efficient ion conductivities, and molecular design parameters to obtain alkaline stable ammonium cations as an alternative to the benchmark benzyltrimethylammonium (BTMA) cation. Macromolecular design parameters were explored by systematic variations of polymer architecture from random, to graft, to symmetric pentablock copolymer structures. Solvent processable random copolymers of polyisoprene-ran-poly(vinyl- benzyltrimethylammonium chloride) were synthesized via polymerization of commercially available monomers. Robust membranes were obtained by thermal or photocross-linking of unsaturated isoprene units. Depending on the copolymer composition, choice of cross-linking method, and the hydrophobicity of the cross-linker, microphase-separated morphologies were obtained forming a connected network of ion clusters. Connectivity improved ion conductivity by two to three orders of magnitude even at low hydration numbers. Connected ionic networks with larger domain sizes were obtained when polymer chains with fixed cations were grafted onto a hydrophobic backbone. Systematic change of graft length and graft density showed a strong correlation with domain connectivity. At a fixed graft density, increasing graft length improved domain connectivity and ion conductivity at the expense of excessive water uptake and dimensional instability. At a fixed graft length, increased graft density improved domain connectivity due to decreased domain size and distance, without compromising membrane dimensional stability. Compared to analogous random copolymers two to three times higher ion conductivities were obtained at relatively low hydration, reaching chloride ion conductivities as high as 50 mS/cm at 60 oC and 95 % relative humidity. A symmetric ABCBA pentablock was functionalized to obtain a midblock quaternary ammonium functionalized polymer that are analogous to midblock sulfonated Nexar® pentablock copolymers which have been commercialized by Kraton Polymers. X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy revealed formation of a microphase-separated inverse morphology where the minor ionic component formed the connected phase. Membranes had elastomeric properties and superior water management to graft copolymers while providing two to three times higher ion conductivity at an equivalent ion concentration. This work represents the first example of a midblock quaternized pentablock copolymer and the investigation of the structure-morphology-property relationships. Lastly, improved alkaline stability of hexyltrimethylammonium (HTMA) cations were investigated on a molecular level, by systematic structural design. Phenyl, phenyl ether, and benzyl ether attached HTMA small molecule cations were synthesized. These three spacer-modified cations were found to be six to ten times more stable than the conventional BTMA cation. The linker chemistry did not influence the overall alkaline stability, enabling easy access to stable ammonium cations. Analogous styrenic monomers, and their homopolymers were synthesized. High stability of the homopolymer cations was confirmed in comparison to poly(BTMA). This study provided a deeper understanding of ammonium degradation mechanisms under strong alkaline conditions, and proposed monomer designs for easy incorporation of stable ammonium cations onto polymers.

Providing a range of information on polymers and polymerization techniques, this text covers the gamut of polymer science from synthesis, structure and properties to function and applications. It analyzes speciality polymers, including acrylics, fluoropolymers, polysiplanes, polyphosphazenes, and inorganic and conducting polymers. The book examines the stereochemistry of polymerization and the stereoregularity of polymers.

This book provides an overview of functional membranes for efficient ion/molecule transfer and separation. It first presents the design, fabrication, structure, and performance of several kinds of membranes. Then, the application of membrane technology in organic solvent nanofiltration, hydrogen fuel cells, and solid-state lithium batteries is introduced. Furthermore, the book proposes strategies of strengthening the ion/molecular-level separation and transfer process in membrane processes. It also analyzes the development status, existing problems, and optimization methods in the field of membranes and membrane processes. Finally, it highlights the construction strategy of membrane structures, the structure–performance relationships as well as the transfer and separation mechanisms. The target group of this book is academics and researchers in materials science, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and other related fields.

Provides complete and undiluted knowledge on making inorganic polymers functional. This comprehensive book reflects the state of the art in the field of inorganic polymers, based on research conducted by a number of internationally leading research groups working in this area. It covers the synthesis aspects of synthetic inorganic polymers and looks at multiple inorganic monomers as building blocks, which exhibit unprecedented electronic, redox, photo-emissive, magnetic, self-healing and catalytic properties. It also looks at the applications of inorganic polymers in areas such as optoelectronics, energy storage, industrial chemistry, and biology. Beginning with an overview of the use of smart inorganic polymers in daily life, Smart Inorganic Polymers: Synthesis, Properties and Emerging Applications in Materials and Life Sciences goes on to study the synthesis, properties, and applications of polymers incorporating different heteroelements such as boron, phosphorus, silicon, germanium, and tin. The book also examines inorganic polymers in flame-retardants, as functional materials, and in biology. An excellent addition to the polymer scientists' and synthetic chemists' toolbox Summarizes the state of the art on how to make and use functional inorganic polymers, from synthesis to applications Edited by the coordinator of a highly funded European community research program (COST action) that focuses specifically on the exploration of inorganic polymers Features contributions from top experts in the field Aimed at academics and industrial researchers in this field, Smart Inorganic Polymers: Synthesis, Properties and Emerging Applications in Materials and Life Sciences will also benefit scientists who want to get a better overview on the state-of-the-art of this rapidly advancing area.

With the rapid worldwide increase of interest and excitement about the promise of artificial photosynthesis for renewable fuels, the research community is beginning to focus on the challenges of integrating the various components into complete, unassisted solar fuel generators. Integrated Solar Fuel Generators discusses the scientific and engineering efforts addressing the challenges of building complete integrated artificial photosystems that will form the basis for developing a solar fuels technology. Building on recent substantial progress towards efficient semiconductor light absorbers and robust, earth abundant heterogeneous catalysts for water oxidation and proton reduction by the community, the integration of these components into efficient durable generators suitable for scale-up moves into focus. To succeed, a broad range of materials, processing, and design issues need to be addressed to meet efficiency, stability and scalability requirements. This book describes the critical areas of research and development towards viable integrated solar fuels systems, the current state of the art of these efforts and outlines future research needs that will accelerate progress towards a deployable technology.

A timely addition to the highly acclaimed four-volume handbook set; volumes 5 and 6 highlight recent developments, particularly in the fields of new materials, molecular modeling and durability. Since the publication of the first four volumes of the Handbook of Fuel Cells in 2003, the focus of fuel cell research and development has shifted from optimizing fuel cell performance with well-known materials to developing new materials concepts, and to understanding the origins of materials and fuel cell degradation. This new two-volume set provides an authoritative and timely guide to these recent developments in fuel cell research.

Energy – in the headlines, discussed controversially, vital. The use of regenerative energy in many primary forms leads to the necessity to store grid dimensions for maintaining continuous supply and enabling the replacement of fossil fuel systems. Chemical energy storage is one of the possibilities besides mechano-thermal and biological systems. This work starts with the more general aspects of chemical energy storage in the context of the geosphere and evolves to dealing with aspects of electrochemistry, catalysis, synthesis of catalysts, functional analysis of catalytic processes and with the interface between electrochemistry and heterogeneous catalysis. Top-notch experts provide a sound, practical, hands-on insight into the present status of energy conversion aimed primarily at the young emerging research front.

Sol-Gel Processing for Conventional and Alternative Energy is a comprehensive source of information on the use of sol-gel processing in materials in energy systems, conversion, storage, and generation. The volume editors include numerous applications, primarily in nuclear fuel processing, electrolytes for fuel cells, and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). In addition to examining contemporary processing, properties, and industrial applications, "Sol-Gel Processing for Conventional and Alternative Energy" identifies materials challenges presented by conventional and alternative energy generation that require new materials and innovative processing. Each chapter is written by an internationally respected researcher. The book provides a state-of-the-art treatment of different aspects of materials for energy production, with a focus on processing, and covers related topics such as carbon sequestration, clean energy, and biofuels.

Ion Exchange Membranes A comprehensive introduction to the electro-membrane technologies of the future An ion exchange membrane is a polymer-based membrane which can be permeable by some ions in a solution while blocking others, making them ideal for processes such as water desalination, salt concentration control, clean production and—given their electrical conductivity—power generation and energy storage etc. Recent advances have given rise to new electro-membrane processes that promise drastically to expand the applications of this technology. Scientists in both research and industry will increasingly need to draw on these membranes in vital ways with strongly positive potential environmental impact. Ion Exchange Membranes summarizes recent research into these membranes and electro-membrane processes before moving to an overview of the historical background. It then attends in detail to cutting-edge fabrication technologies and the most recent areas of use. The result is a comprehensive introduction to the design, fabrication, and applications of these increasingly essential membranes. Ion Exchange Membranes readers will also find: In-depth treatment of industrial-scale applications Detailed discussion of topics including side-chain engineering, polyacylation, superacid-catalyst polymerization, and more Analysis of electro-membrane processes such as alkaline membrane water electrolysis, solar-driven water splitting, and many more Ion Exchange Membranes is ideal for membrane scientists, materials scientists, inorganic chemists, polymer chemists, and researchers and engineers in a variety of fields working with ion exchange membranes and electro-membrane processes.