Final Scientific Technical Report Cyclic Olefin Copolymer based Alkaline Exchange Polymers and Reinforced Membranes

Summary

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, with support from the US Department of Energy, completed a project to develop high-performance, low-cost cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) based alkaline exchange membranes (AEMs) for fuel cells and water electrolyzers. The project successfully synthesized reinforced composite membranes that achieved all set targets, including a hydroxide conductivity of 127±6 mS/cm at 80 °C and excellent alkaline stability with less than 1% degradation after 1000 hours at 95 °C. The developed R-XL20-COC-2N-2.2-PE membrane demonstrated a peak power density of 1.2 W cm⁻² in H2/O2 fuel cells and a current density of 2.24 A/cm² at 1.8 V in AEM water electrolyzers at 80 °C. This advanced material, with a thickness of approximately 26 μm, offers a durable and efficient alternative to expensive platinum catalysts, supporting renewable energy conversion and storage.

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