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Protic ionic liquids: Fuel cell applications

  • Ionic liquids for energy applications
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Abstract

We have investigated protic ionic liquids (PILs) as proton conductors for non-humidified intermediate-temperature fuel cells. PILs exhibit proton conductivity and activity in fuel cell electrode reactions, as seen in acidic aqueous solutions and acidic polymer membranes. The wide molecular designability of PILs enabled the finding of a promising candidate, diethylmethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([dema][ TfO]), which exhibits favorable bulk properties and electrochemical activity. Solid thin films containing [dema][ TfO] were fabricated using sulfonated polyimide as a matrix polymer. By using the composite membrane, non-humidifying fuel cell operation at 120°C succeeded. The fuel cell performance can be further improved by the optimization of the catalyst layer and with further research on PILs.

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Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research in the Priority Area “Science of Ionic Liquids” from MEXT of Japan and by the Technology Research Grant Program from NEDO of Japan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cooperative Research and Development Center, Yokohama National University, Japan

    Tomohiro Yasuda

  2. Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, Yokohama National University, Japan

    Masayoshi Watanabe

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  1. Tomohiro Yasuda
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  2. Masayoshi Watanabe
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Correspondence to Tomohiro Yasuda.

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Yasuda, T., Watanabe, M. Protic ionic liquids: Fuel cell applications. MRS Bulletin 38, 560–566 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1557/mrs.2013.153

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