New concept for sustainable fuel cell polymer electrolytes

A research group led by Atsushi Noro at Nagoya University in Japan has proposed a novel design for fuel cell electrolytes. Their research involves a phosphonic acid polymer with hydrocarbon spacers. By adding a hydrophobic spacer between the polymer backbone and the phosphonic acid groups, the team improved the polymer’s properties. This modification made the polymer water-insoluble, chemically stable, and moderately conductive, even in high-temperature and low-humidity conditions.