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Polymers
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Polymer Based Catalysts and Membranes and Their Composites for Energy...
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Polymer Based Catalysts and Membranes and Their Composites for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2020) | Viewed by 34086

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dong Jin Yoo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Energy Storage/Conversion Engineering, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Center, Chonbuk National University, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Republic of Korea
Interests: polymer synthesis; catalyst; polymer membranes; fuel cells; electrochemical sensors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mohanraj Vinothkannan

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Energy Storage/Conversion Engineering, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Center, Chonbuk National University, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Korea
Interests: catalyst; polymer membranes; fuel cells
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In general, catalysts and membranes are essential components in energy storage and conversion applications. They underpin overall system efficiency. Although commercial Pt/C catalysts and perfluorosulfonic acid membranes are still standard materials for energy devices, they have some drawbacks such as high price, poor long-term durability, etc. To tackle these problems, studies on the fabrication of alternative catalysts and membranes are thriving. Contributions to this Special Issue should preferably report the development of polymer-based anode and cathode electrocatalysts, and proton exchange membranes for energy storage and conversion applications. Research articles, reviews, as well as communications are welcome.

Prof. Dong Jin Yoo
Dr. Mohanraj Vinothkannan
Guest Editor

Keywords

  • electrocatalyst
  • electrical conductivity
  • proton exchange membrane
  • proton conductivity
  • composite materials
  • high durability and performance
  • energy storage and conversion applications.

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 5751 KiB  
Article
Ameliorated Performance of Sulfonated Poly(Arylene Ether Sulfone) Block Copolymers with Increased Hydrophilic Oligomer Ratio in Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Operating at 80% Relative Humidity
by Ae Rhan Kim, Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Kyu Ha Lee, Ji Young Chu, Sumg Kwan Ryu, Hwan Gyu Kim, Jae-Young Lee, Hong-Ki Lee and Dong Jin Yoo
Polymers 2020, 12(9), 1871; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12091871 - 20 Aug 2020
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3737
Abstract
We designed and synthesized a series of sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPES) with different hydrophilic or hydrophobic oligomer ratios using poly-condensation strategy. Afterward, we fabricated the corresponding membranes via a solution-casting approach. We verified the SPES membrane chemical structure using nuclear magnetic resonance [...] Read more.
We designed and synthesized a series of sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPES) with different hydrophilic or hydrophobic oligomer ratios using poly-condensation strategy. Afterward, we fabricated the corresponding membranes via a solution-casting approach. We verified the SPES membrane chemical structure using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and confirmed the resulting oligomer ratio. Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) results revealed that we effectively attained phase separation of the SPES membrane along with an increased hydrophilic oligomer ratio. Thermal stability, glass transition temperature (Tg) and membrane elongation increased with the ratio of hydrophilic oligomers. SPES membranes with higher hydrophilic oligomer ratios exhibited superior water uptake, ion-exchange capacity, contact angle and water sorption, while retaining reasonable swelling degree. The proton conductivity results showed that SPES containing higher amounts of hydrophilic oligomers provided a 74.7 mS cm−1 proton conductivity at 90 °C, which is better than other SPES membranes, but slightly lower than that of Nafion-117 membrane. When integrating SPES membranes with proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) at 60 °C and 80% relative humidity (RH), the PEMFC power density exhibited a similar increment-pattern like proton conductivity pattern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Based Catalysts and Membranes and Their Composites for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications)
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15 pages, 4848 KiB  
Article
Anion Exchange Membranes Obtained from Poly(arylene ether sulfone) Block Copolymers Comprising Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Segments
by Jun Ha Kim, Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Ae Rhan Kim and Dong Jin Yoo
Polymers 2020, 12(2), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12020325 - 4 Feb 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3811
Abstract
The anion exchange membrane may have different physical and chemical properties, electrochemical performance and mechanical stability depending upon the monomer structure, hydrophilicity and hydrophobic repeating unit, surface form and degree of substitution of functional groups. In current work, poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PAES) block [...] Read more.
The anion exchange membrane may have different physical and chemical properties, electrochemical performance and mechanical stability depending upon the monomer structure, hydrophilicity and hydrophobic repeating unit, surface form and degree of substitution of functional groups. In current work, poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PAES) block copolymer was created and used as the main chain. After controlling the amount of NBS, the degree of bromination (DB) was changed in Br-PAES. Following that, quaternized PAES (Q-PAES) was synthesized through quaternization. Q-PAES showed a tendency of enhancing water content, expansion rate, ion exchange capacity (IEC) as the degree of substitution of functional groups increased. However, it was confirmed that tensile strength and dimensional properties of membrane reduced while swelling degree was increased. In addition, phase separation of membrane was identified by atomic force microscope (AFM) image, while ionic conductivity is greatly affected by phase separation. The Q-PAES membrane demonstrated a reasonable power output of around 64 mW/cm2 while employed as electrolyte in fuel cell operation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Based Catalysts and Membranes and Their Composites for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications)
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13 pages, 3042 KiB  
Article
Study of High Performance Sulfonated Polyether Ether Ketone Composite Electrolyte Membranes
by Gwomei Wu, Sheng-Jen Lin, I-Chan Hsu, Juin-Yih Su and Dave W. Chen
Polymers 2019, 11(7), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11071177 - 12 Jul 2019
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6825
Abstract
In this study, high performance composite electrolyte membranes were prepared from polyether ether ketone polymeric material. An initial sulfonation reaction improved the membrane hydrophilicity and its water absorbability and thus enhanced the ionic conductivity in electrochemical cells. Protonic conductivity was improved from 10 [...] Read more.
In this study, high performance composite electrolyte membranes were prepared from polyether ether ketone polymeric material. An initial sulfonation reaction improved the membrane hydrophilicity and its water absorbability and thus enhanced the ionic conductivity in electrochemical cells. Protonic conductivity was improved from 10−4 to 10−2 S cm−1 with an increasing sulfonation time from 72 to 175 h. The effects of blending nano SiO2 into the composite membranes were devoted to improve thermal and mechanical properties, as well as methanol permeability. Methanol permeability was reduced to 3.1 × 10−7 cm2 s−1. Finally, a further improvement in ionic conductivity was carried out by a supercritical carbon dioxide treatment under 20 MPa at 40°C for 30 min with an optimum SiO2 blend ratio of 10 wt-%. The plasticizing effect by the Lewis acid-base interaction between CO2 and electron donor species on polymer chains decreased the glass transition and melting temperatures. The results show that sulfonated composite membranes blended with SiO2 and using a supercritical carbon dioxide treatment exhibit a lower glass transition temperature, higher ionic conductivity, lower methanol permeability, good thermal stability, and strong mechanical properties. Ionic conductivity was improved to 1.55 × 10−2 S cm−1. The ion exchange capacity and the degree of sulfonation were also investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Based Catalysts and Membranes and Their Composites for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications)
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9 pages, 3184 KiB  
Article
A Bioinspired Functionalization of Polypropylene Separator for Lithium-Sulfur Battery
by Zhijia Zhang, Xuequan Li, Yawen Yan, Wenyi Zhu, Li-Hua Shao and Junsheng Li
Polymers 2019, 11(4), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11040728 - 22 Apr 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4888
Abstract
Lithium-sulfur batteries have received intensive attention, due to their high specific capacity, but the shuttle effect of soluble polysulfide results in a decrease in capacity. In response to this issue, we develop a novel tannic acid and Au nanoparticle functionalized separator. The tannic [...] Read more.
Lithium-sulfur batteries have received intensive attention, due to their high specific capacity, but the shuttle effect of soluble polysulfide results in a decrease in capacity. In response to this issue, we develop a novel tannic acid and Au nanoparticle functionalized separator. The tannic acid and gold nanoparticles were modified onto commercial polypropylene separator through a two-step solution process. Due to a large number of phenolic hydroxyl groups contained in the modified layer and the strong polarity of the gold nanoparticles, the soluble polysulfide generated during battery cycling is well stabilized on the cathode side, slowing down the capacity fade brought by the shuttle effect. In addition, the modification effectively improves the electrolyte affinity of the separator. As a result of these benefits, the novel separator exhibits improved battery performance compared to the pristine polypropylene separator. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Based Catalysts and Membranes and Their Composites for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications)
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11 pages, 2200 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of 3-DOM IrO2 Electrocatalysts Templated by PMMA for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
by Fei Liu, Xuechu Sun, Xiu Chen, Cuicui Li, Jun Yu and Haolin Tang
Polymers 2019, 11(4), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11040629 - 4 Apr 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4937
Abstract
Three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3-DOM) IrO2 material was prepared using PMMA as a template and ammonia as a chelator. These 3-DOM IrO2 honeycomb arrays showed a large surface area and ordered macropores (155 nm in diameter) cross-linked by secondary mesopores. Internal structures [...] Read more.
Three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3-DOM) IrO2 material was prepared using PMMA as a template and ammonia as a chelator. These 3-DOM IrO2 honeycomb arrays showed a large surface area and ordered macropores (155 nm in diameter) cross-linked by secondary mesopores. Internal structures of 3-DOM IrO2 material were observed microscopically through these secondary pores. According to the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra, 3-DOM IrO2 has a rutile crystal structure and is mainly composed of iridium dioxide. In acidic electrolytes, the overpotential of 3-DOM IrO2 material at 0.5 mV cm−2 was only 0.22 V. Accelerated durability tests demonstrated excellent durability of 3-DOM IrO2 as an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Based Catalysts and Membranes and Their Composites for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications)
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15 pages, 1308 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study on Physiochemical, Thermomechanical, and Electrochemical Properties of Sulfonated Poly(Ether Ether Ketone) Block Copolymer Membranes with and without Fe3O4 Nanoparticles
by Ae Rhan Kim and Dong Jin Yoo
Polymers 2019, 11(3), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11030536 - 21 Mar 2019
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3648
Abstract
The composite structure, good porosity, and electrochemical behavior of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are important characteristics, which can improve the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). In this study, we designed and synthesized an XY block copolymer via a polycondensation reaction that [...] Read more.
The composite structure, good porosity, and electrochemical behavior of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are important characteristics, which can improve the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). In this study, we designed and synthesized an XY block copolymer via a polycondensation reaction that contains sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) (X) as a hydrophilic unit and a fluorinated oligomer (Y) as a hydrophobic unit. The prepared XY block copolymer is composed of Fe3O4 nanoparticles to create composite architecture, which was subsequently treated with a 1 M H2SO4 solution at 70 °C for 1 h to eliminate Fe3O4 and generate a pores structure in the membrane. The morphological, physiochemical, thermomechanical, and electrochemical properties of bare XY, XY/Fe3O4-9 and XY(porous)-9 membranes were measured and compared in detail. Compared with XY/Fe3O4-9 composite, the proton conductivity of XY(porous)-9 membrane was remarkably enhanced as a result of the existence of pores as nano-conducting channels. Similarly, the XY(porous)-9 membrane exhibited enhanced water retention and ion exchange capacity among the prepared membranes. However, the PEFC power density of XY(porous)-9 membrane was still lower than that of XY/Fe3O4-9 membrane at 60 °C and 60% relative humidity. Also, the durability of XY(porous)-9 membrane is found to be lower compared with pristine XY and XY/Fe3O4-9 membranes as a result of the hydrogen crossover through the pores of the membrane. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Based Catalysts and Membranes and Their Composites for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications)
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12 pages, 3101 KiB  
Article
K0.5Na0.5NbO3-SrTiO3/PVDF Polymer Composite Film with Low Remnant Polarization and High Discharge Energy Storage Density
by Chuntian Chen, Lei Wang, Xinmei Liu, Wenlong Yang, Jiaqi Lin, Gaoru Chen and Xinrui Yang
Polymers 2019, 11(2), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11020310 - 12 Feb 2019
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5352
Abstract
A high recoverable energy storage density polymer composite film has been designed in which the ferroelectric-paraelectric 0.85 (K0.5Na0.5NbO3)-0.15SrTiO3 (abbreviated as KNN-ST) solid solution particles were introduced into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer as functional fillers. The effects [...] Read more.
A high recoverable energy storage density polymer composite film has been designed in which the ferroelectric-paraelectric 0.85 (K0.5Na0.5NbO3)-0.15SrTiO3 (abbreviated as KNN-ST) solid solution particles were introduced into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer as functional fillers. The effects of the polarization properties of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) and KNN-ST particles on the energy storage performances of KNN-ST/PVDF film were systemically studied. And the introduction of SrTiO3 (ST) was effective in reducing the remnant polarization of the particles, improving the dielectric properties and recoverable energy storage density of the KNN-ST/PVDF films. Compared to KNN/PVDF films, the dielectric permittivity of composite films was enhanced from 17 to 38 upon the introduction of ST. A recoverable energy storage density of 1.34 J/cm3 was achieved, which is 202.60% larger than that of the KNN/PVDF composite films. The interface between the particles and the polymer matrix was considered to the enhanced dielectric permittivity of the films. And the reduced remnant polarization of the composites was regarded as the improving high recoverable energy storage density. The results demonstrated that combing ferroelectric- paraelectric particles with polymers might be a key method for composites with excellent dielectric permittivity, high energy storage density, and energy efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Based Catalysts and Membranes and Their Composites for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications)
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