Silver Oxide Ionic Conductors For High-Performing Alkaline Fuel Cells

Silver oxide nanoparticles are used as hydroxide ionic conductors for high-performing, durable, and low-cost anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) and anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AMWEs).
Problem:
Hydrogen energy technologies provide a low-cost source of clean energy derived from chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen. Ionic conductors facilitate catalysis reactions and are essential components of AEMFCs and AEMWEs. Conventional ionic conductors made from organic materials require high loading and cover a large area of the catalyst surface, limiting the performance of the device. In addition, conventional ionic conductors often suffer from chemical and thermal instability, compromising device performance. There is a need to develop AEMFCs and AEMWEs that use alternative ionic conductors for more efficient energy conversion.
Solution:
Silver oxide nanoparticles can be used as ionic conductors integrated into fuel cells and electrolyzers. This inorganic, nanoparticle-based catalyst layer environment results in more durable, high-performing, and low-cost fuel cells compared to organic ionic conductors. This approach paves the way for more robust alkaline energy conversion devices, including AEMFCs and AEMWEs.
Technology:
Silver oxide nanoparticles were used as effective solid-state inorganic hydroxide conductors for AEMFCs. Nanoparticles were produced using simple chemical synthesis, mixed with electrocatalysts, and sprayed onto catalyst layers without additional solvents. The conducting layer was formed at ultra-low loading rates of under 2% compared to the conventional 20% loading rate and increased catalyst utilization. In addition, the nanoparticle ionic conductor doubled the performance of the fuel cell and enhanced durability under accelerated stress testing (AST). Silver oxide nanoparticle ionic conductors are promising alternatives to organic ionic conductors and address key limitations in water management, ion transport, and material stability.
Advantages:

Ultralow loading (<2%) of a stable solid-state, nanoparticle ionic conductor
Highly durable under high humidity, hot temperature (up to 430 °C), and oxidative environments
Two-fold greater power output compared to conventional organic ionic conductors
Cost-effective by 4-25X and simple fabrication of membrane electrode assembly

Stage of Development:

Proof of Concept

Silver oxide nanoparticles serve as effective solid-state inorganic hydroxide conductors for anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs).
Intellectual Property: