28 -- New Fuel Cell Membrane

Sandia National Laboratories has developed a new type of polymer electrode membrane (PEM) for application in the next generation of fuel cells. The Sandia Polymer Electrolyte Alternative (SPEA) could bring to realization micro fuel cell configurations to power sensors, laptop computers, communications devices (e.g. cell phones), microelectronics, in healthcare applications and transportation, utilizing a diverse collection of fuels such as hydrogen, glucose and methanol. The SPEA material is capable of operating at high temperatures (140 degrees Centigrade) to produce a peak power of 1.1 watts per square centimeter at 2 amps per square centimeter at 80 degrees Centigrade. As such, the membrane material allows higher power outputs with methanol and hydrogen fuels than Nafion, a recognized state-of-the-art material used to fabricate PEMs for fuel cells. The SPEA membrane allows for low fuel crossover properties and increased power density relative to other membrane materials, as well as operation at low relative humidity conditions. The milestone for operation is to develop these SPEA materials for automotive applications which operate at 120degrees Centigrade for 2000 hours with low membrane interfacial resistance. Material validation studies have been completed with the Sandia battery group as well as at Los Alamos National Laboratory. As the SPEA material operates at higher temperatures relative to Nafion, several advantages are realized, including the possibility of smaller fuel cell stacks as a result of better heat rejection, enhanced water management, and significant resistance to carbon monoxide poisoning. Sandia is seeking partnerships with industry for commercialization of this technology which may include commercial licensing opportunities. Assuming commercial licensing opportunities are pursued; licensees would have the opportunity to request, up to and including, an exclusive license to Sandia’s intellectual property in a pre-negotiated, defined field of use for reasonable compensation. For further information, please respond by mail or fax to Colleen Kearney within 30 days of this announcement at: Sandia National Laboratories, MS 1380, P. O. Box 5800, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-1380. Fax: (505) 844-8011. Please indicate the date and title of this FBO notice and the type of partnering agreements your company would be most interested in entering into.