Electrochemical devices with metal-polymer electrolyte membrane composites

Abstract

This paper summarizes our previous studies on the application of metal/polymer electrolyte membrane composites to three kinds of electrochemical devices: polymer actuators, direct polymer electrolyte fuel cells, and air electrodes for use in metal-air batteries. Au composites were successfully prepared in a wet condition and their use as actuator devices showed rapid bending toward the anode in response to an applied voltage of 2.0V in water without gas evolution. Direct polymer electrolyte fuel cells have also been reported as typical examples of the application of a polymer electrolyte membrane. These are represented by direct ascorbic acid fuel cells that use carbon anodes without exhausting any harmful chemicals, and by the technical advantages of an anion-exchange membrane alternative to the conventional cation-exchange membrane in direct fuel cells with ethanol or glucose fuels. Finally, a reversible air electrode for the oxygen reduction and evolution reaction was integrated with an anion-exchange membrane to diminish the influence of atmospheric carbon dioxide on the oxygen reaction.