Samsung Nanocomposite Membrane Suppresses Methanol Crossover and Yields Improved Methanol Fuel Cell

Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, KR) chemists Yeong Suk Choi and Hae Kyung Kim have created a nanocomposite for use in polymer fuel cell membranes.  The nanocomposite material is sulfonated polysulfone with a nanoscale amount of nonmodified montmorillonite clay dispersed in the polysulfone.

The nanocomposite has excellent ionic conductivity and mechanical properties. The nanocomposite electrolyte membrane formed using this nanocomposite has an improved ability to suppress permeation of polar organic fuels, such as methanol, while maintaining appropriate ionic conductivity. In addition, the fuel cell with the nanocomposite electrolyte membrane can effectively prevent crossover of methanol used as a fuel, thereby providing improved working efficiency and an extended lifespan.

The nonmodified clay has a layered structure, and the nonmodified clay is intercalated with the sulfonated polysulfone to form a nanocomposite electrolyte membrane which can be used in a more robust methanol fuel cell. Samsung SDI earned U.S. Patent 7,652,089 for the improved methanol fuel cell membrane and fuel cell, which details how the membrane is made. 

Neah Power's Silicon Based Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Achieves 1500 Hours of Continuous Operation, Shows No Degradation

Neah Power Systems, Inc., (OTCBB:NPWZ), reports that its patented, porous, silicon-based anaerobic fuel cell reached 1500 hours of constant operation on November 15th 2009. The test, part of a series of ongoing technology demonstrations, further demonstrates that the company's fuel cell is a reliable alternative to existing power solutions, including traditional batteries.

Neah Power has maintained a consistent schedule of improvements in their direct methanol fuel cell technology, including this recent demonstration, which required improvements to the fuel cell over previous prototypes. "On October 27th, after 1163 hours of continuous run time, we examined the cell to determine the source of decay, discovering that the fuel stream had not been filtered," says Dr. Tsali Cross, VP of Engineering at Neah Power. "We cleaned the cell and restarted it, this time with a fuel filter in-line. After 1500 hours, the cell is now putting out as much power as the day we started."

Neah's direct methanol fuel cell has far exceeded the design team's expectations and will continue to lead the field of alternative power solutions as it maintains long lasting, successful power generation.

"We continue to be amazed, but not surprised, by the progress and success of our design and the fuel cell's performance," says Dr. Chris D'Couto, CEO of Neah Power. "We are confident that our fuel cell technology will continue to improve in terms of operational quality and run time towards the goal of commercialization in myriad consumer, military and industrial applications. This milestone for our technology is significant as fuel cells continue to gain ground as the future of power solutions."

Neah Power Systems, Inc. (NPWZ) is developing long-lasting, efficient and safe power solutions for the military and for portable electronic devices. Neah uses a unique, patented, silicon-based design for its micro fuel cells that enable higher power densities, lower cost and compact form-factors. The company's micro fuel cell system can run in aerobic and anaerobic modes, and is developing energy storage solutions based on its proprietary porous silicon technology.

Further company information can be found at www.Neahpower.com.