Proton-Conductive Nanoporous Opal Membranes

Well studied perfluorosulfonated ionomers such as Nafion� show decreased proton conductivity and degradation above 100oC, methanol permeation and swelling in methanol and water, which limits fuel cell operation to the narrow temperature range. This technology features an inorganic-organic composite membrane which possesses proton conductivity as a result of nanopore surface modification with organic molecules carrying acid functionalities. Self-assembled opal membranes allow a simple and powerful approach to highly proton-conductive, mechanically robust membranes with easily controllable nanopore size in a 5-50 nm range, and with facile chemical modification and characterization.

Benefits
Preparation of highly efficient fuel cells.

Stage of Development
This technology is part of an active and ongoing research program and is seeking partners for development of the working product. It is available for developmental research support under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.

Additional Info
*http://www.chem.utah.edu/faculty/zharov/index.html
*http://www.nanofab.utah.edu/index.php?n=ResearchGroups.ChemicallyModifiedNanoporousOpalMembranes

Inventor(s): Joanna Smith, Ilya Zharov

Type of Offer: Licensing



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