Electrochemical Characterization of Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane Materials for Fuel Cells

Professor: Hector Abruña

Project Description: Over the years, there have been significant advances in the development of cationic, OH- conducting, solid polymer electrolytes known as alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEMs). These AAEMs can use liquid fuels of small organic molecules such as methanol, ethanol, formic acid and others, which are of great advantage due to their high volumetric and gravimetric energy densities. Our collaboration with the Coates group has provided us the opportunity to study the most novel and promising AAEMs found in literature. During the 2016 CCMR REU, you will conduct fundamental and extensive analytical studies to understand the processes that occur in these membranes. Ex-situ and in-situ characterization will be conducted using different techniques and instrumentation found at our facilities. This research offers experience in electrochemistry, analytical chemistry and materials science.