Quantum-beam technology; A Versatile tool for developing polymer electrolyte fuel-cell membranes

Yamaki, Tetsuya

Fuel-cell application requires that the electrolyte membrane should meet the characteristics; for examples, proton conductivity, mechanical strength, swelling properties, chemical stability and hydrogen/methanol permeability. When higher proton conductivity is pursued for practical applications, at least one of the other membrane properties is usually reduced; these trade-offs must be assessed in the current stage of technology. My talk reviews briefly original techniques of Japan Atomic Energy Agency, which should break the above trade-off relationship in the development of the membranes. The main topic will be systematic utilization of quantum beam technology covering (1) radiation crosslinking and graft polymerization by using -ray and electron beam, (2) preparation of nano-structure controlled membranes by ion track technology, and (3) use of neutron scattering for membrane analysis.