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wasssup1990
Nobel Prize Winner
A Land Down Under
2261 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 19 2004 : 5:06:31 PM
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I've have just recently gaind intrest in researching up Fuel Cells. I've learnt that there is a PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane). It is made out of Polymer, what is polymer and where can i get it. Is it the plastic CD's are made of?
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cirvin
Nobel Prize Winner
USA
1542 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2004 : 7:33:29 PM
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A polymer is just the techincal term for plastic, but there are many different kinds and compositions of plastics. No, the plastic of your CD is not the same as the plastic in a fuel cell. Polymers used in fuel cells are very expensive, I woud expect to invest like 100$ for one sheet about 24 inches I think, try looking at www.fuelcellstore.com
http://daxter12.topcities.com |
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Kale
Nobel Prize Winner
Canada
795 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2004 : 9:41:32 PM
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Polymers are long chain molecules. Basically all the atoms in the molecule are in a long strand. Groups of these molecules tend to intertwine and knot up with each other, like a bucket full of loose string will tangle. This means that the individual molecules of the plastic tend to 'hang on' to each other quite tightly. The upshot of this is that the plastic becomes quite tough. A lot of modern plastics are polymers, but there are different formulas for different applications. Organic LEDs (light emitting diodes) are polymers that have been created with the same sort of ability to glow as certain semiconductor crystals. They can be easily shaped and molded like other plastics and, if fitted with electrodes, will glow when voltage is applied. A research group in China recently came up with a liquid variant that works in inkjet printers!
More mundane uses include plastics for bottles, furniture, toys, etc.
Edited by - kale on Mar 19 2004 9:42:47 PM |
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wasssup1990
Nobel Prize Winner
A Land Down Under
2261 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2004 : 4:51:16 PM
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Thanks for replying, can i use persplex?
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cirvin
Nobel Prize Winner
USA
1542 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2004 : 8:39:16 PM
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No, it needs to be a special formulation of plastic to allow it to operate. You can buy it, it's just pretty expensive.
http://daxter12.topcities.com |
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cirvin
Nobel Prize Winner
USA
1542 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2004 : 8:41:09 PM
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No, it needs to be a special formulation of plastic to allow it to operate. You can buy it, it's just pretty expensive.
http://daxter12.topcities.com |
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wasssup1990
Nobel Prize Winner
A Land Down Under
2261 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2004 : 10:58:33 PM
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So you think i wont be able to find any Polymer around my house? Like plastic bottles ice-cream containers ect. I just dont want to buy any if i already have some.
Edited by - wasssup1990 on Mar 20 2004 11:00:43 PM |
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da-g-dog
Mad Scientist
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2004 : 03:21:38 AM
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quote:
So you think i wont be able to find any Polymer around my house? Like plastic bottles ice-cream containers ect. I just dont want to buy any if i already have some.
There are plenty of polymers in your house, just about anything plastic is a polymer. The question is will you have the right one. Short answer, no. As stated before, polymer is just a generic term, not a specific material. Also stated before, it is a specific, expensive, type of polymer. Being that is is expensive, it's not going to be used in pop bottles and the like.
hike master kyle
Edited by - da-g-dog on Mar 21 2004 11:03:55 AM |
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BEatonNo1
Nobel Prize Winner
USA
1133 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2004 : 1:06:57 PM
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what about the permiable membrain in a reverse osmosis filter, couldnt you modify that to preform the same function.
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wasssup1990
Nobel Prize Winner
A Land Down Under
2261 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2004 : 3:20:35 PM
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O-K, it looks like I'll need to buy some, thanks for the help!
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cirvin
Nobel Prize Winner
USA
1542 Posts |
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wasssup1990
Nobel Prize Winner
A Land Down Under
2261 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2004 : 01:46:48 AM
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Does someone know what the catalyst is made from, visit the link if you don't know what I'm talking about. http://www.ballard.com/tD.asp?pgid=20&dbid=0
And do i need to have platinum electrodes for the fuel cell to work properly?
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wasssup1990
Nobel Prize Winner
A Land Down Under
2261 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2004 : 11:42:51 PM
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I guess none of you are a science wiz, or just not intrested in my topic. Can someone respond!
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BEatonNo1
Nobel Prize Winner
USA
1133 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2004 : 11:07:48 PM
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a catalyst is just a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction....most likely it makes the fuel cell more efficent, but I'm just guessing.
The electrodes should be made of a material that won't oxydise at the high temp condiditons that are present in the fuel cell. I would think something nickle or chome plated would endure it
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wasssup1990
Nobel Prize Winner
A Land Down Under
2261 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2004 : 12:08:43 AM
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Thanks for replying BEatonNo1. 
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2004 : 5:01:42 PM
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I believe the most commonly used catalyst is platinum. Strangely enough, that's also what's used in a car's catalytic converter...it's what makes the converters so expensive...
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Topic |
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Fuel Cell
