The Introductory chapter of this Thesis covers the historical development, synthesis, modification chemistry, and applications of aromatic poly(ether ketone)s, and surveys their potential in technologies for renewable energy generation. The scientific problems which must be solved before such technologies can become commercially viable are highlighted. Chapter 2 describes the development of a "microblock" poly(ether ketone) ionomer (with strictly alternating ionic and neutral chain segments) for use as a proton exchange membrane in water electrolysis, for the production of high purity hydrogen. The ionomer achieves high mechanical strength in an aqueous environment as a result of its designed biphasic morphology. It shows good proton conductivity whilst retaining mechanical integrity under high-temperature, hydrated conditions. Testing in electrolysis has demonstrated good energy efficiency, very low hydrogen crossover, and a stable, reproducible level of power consumption over prolonged periods of time.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:625441 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Oladoyinbo, Fatai Oladipupo |
| Publisher | University of Reading |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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