Zwitterion-Promoted Hybrid 2D Silicate-Based Membranes for Energy Applications

Abstract

The University of Central Florida invention provides an alternative method for producing an environmentally friendly, commercially viable, and sustainable material for applications in the energy sector. The world's rising energy needs and reliance on fossil fuels result in significant environmental damage. Numerous efforts already exist to generate clean and sustainable forms of energy, such as tidal, wind, and solar. However, it is challenging to replace the reliance on fossil fuels due to the cost and seasonal issues associated with those alternative energy sources. Overcoming the intermittent availability of clean and sustainable forms of energy requires a robust, sustainable infrastructure to store energy and distribute it continuously.

As a sustainable solution, the UCF invention offers a method for making non-polymeric, functionalized, free-standing zwitterion-promoted hybrid clay film/membranes. Clays are among the most promising materials for many high-value applications because of their porous structures, customizable surface areas, outstanding thermal and mechanical stabilities, abundant reserves, and cost-effectiveness. The UCF invention enables a material with good porosity and superior thermal and chemical stability. It is also electrically insulating and provides good ionic conductivity. Such features make it an excellent material as an ion-conducting membrane for energy applications. This includes battery separators, electrolyte membranes in fuel cells, and solid electrolyte membranes in batteries.

Technical Details

In one example application of the invention, UCF researchers altered the interlayer spacing of the clay minerals to functionalize the minerals with trimethyl glycine (TMG) zwitterion, better known as betaine. Such zwitterions are intercalated into the clay gallery to widen the interlayer gap. When fused with the aid of the zwitterion, the clay layers create a flexible, free-standing clay film or membrane. In addition, the zwitterion's carbon chain increases. The functionalized hybrid clay film membranes were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction to confirm the change in interlayer spacing.

The ionic conductivity of the functionalized clay membranes in a non-aqueous electrolyte was comparable to some of the polymer membranes used as ion-conducting membranes in energy applications, such as battery separators, electrolyte membranes in fuel cells, and solid electrolyte membranes in batteries.

Partnering Opportunity

The research team is seeking partners for licensing, research collaboration, or both.

Stage of Development

Prototype available.

Benefit

Market Application

Publications

• 2022 Materials Research Society Spring Meeting and Exhibit, May 8-13, 2022, Honolulu, Hawaii – Functionalized 2D Silicate-based Films for Energy Application. (Poster Presentation)
• Zwitterion Promoted Hybrid 2D Materials for Energy Application, 242nd Electrochemical Society Meeting, October 9-13, 2022, Atlanta, GA (Oral Presentation).