I am currently undertaking a 4-year PhD working on a collaborative research project between the School of Chemistry and School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials at Newcastle University under the supervision of Dr Simon Doherty, Dr Julian G Knight and Professor Paul A Christensen. This work has been funded by a Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant.

The project builds upon the group’s current research interests in exploring applications of ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) derived polymer immobilized ionic liquids (PIILs) and aims to engineer new solvent processable, durable and highly conducting polymers suitable for use as membranes and interfacial ionomers in hydroxide-based fuel cells. Complimentary design strategies that explore how polymer properties influence their performance as Anion Exchange Membranes (AAEMs) will be employed, with the aim of developing an optimum composition in terms of stability, conductivity and solution processability.

This research project combines the small molecule synthesis of ionic liquid-like monomers, co-monomers and cross-linkers with the fabrication of fuel cell membranes via ROMP. Polymer synthesis and physical measurements will be undertaken in parallel to guide the design towards an optimum electrolyte  membrane material and solution processable polymer. The conductivity of lead polymers will be measured and the most promising candidates will be fabricated into membrane electrode assemblies and their performance evaluated using hydrogen and ultimately bioethanol as fuel.

Diagram of an Anion Exchange Fuel Cell that uses hydrogen as the fuel source. The Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) middle section is the part I am interested in.