Effect of Swift Heavy Ions on Fluoropolymers: New Generation Fuel Cell

Fuel cell is a device that transform chemical potential energy from a chemical reaction into electrical energy. It efficiently and cleanly transform the energy as compared to combustion engine or battery. The membrane is the central part of a fuel cell which allows the proton/ion to flow across it and thereby complete the circuit for electrical connection. Here, we designed a novel proton exchange membrane for a fuel cell using radiation technology using accelerator and subsequent chemical treatment. First, radiation resistant polymer has been developed through nanotechnology and nanochannels across the thickness of polymer film has been created by chemical etching of the irradiated film. The nanochannels are functionalised using various polymerization techniques and thereby forming the ionomers. Chemistry and physics of radiation effect on polymer is revealed and then membrane electrode assembly has been prepared to understand the efficiency of the membrane. High efficiency, improved selective parameter along with lower cost of preparation make this type of membrane unique and suitable for applications.