Morphology and Proton Transport in Porous Block Copolymer Electrolyte Membranes

ORAL

Abstract

Block copolymer electrolyte membranes consisting of a proton-conducting block and an uncharged structural block are attractive due to their potential in clean energy applications. Herein we demonstrate a novel approach of fabricating block copolymer electrolyte membranes, by inducing pores in the proton-conducting phase. We examine morphology of these membranes with contrast-matched resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSoXS) and electron tomography. Proton conductivity as a function of porosity and water activity is also investigated. By tuning the porosity of the membranes, we are able to adjust the water uptake of the membranes for improved proton conductivities, in both humid air and liquid water.

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Authors

  • Chelsea Chen

    • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    • University of California, Berkeley

  • Jeffrey Kortright

    • Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

  • David Wong

    • Exponent

  • Nitash Balsara

    • University of California, Berkeley