Bioenergetics: Open Access

Enhancing Efficiency with Multi-Crosslinked Bio membranes in Direct Methanol Fuel cells

David Astely^* Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Jersey, United States of America
^*Correspondence: David Astely, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Jersey, United States of America, Email:

Received: 19-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. BEG-23-22363; Editor assigned: 21-Jun-2023, Pre QC No. BEG-23-22363 (PQ); Reviewed: 06-Jul-2023, QC No. BEG-23-22363; Revised: 13-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. BEG-23-22363 (R); Published: 21-Jul-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2167-7662.23.11.227

Description

Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs) are emerging as captivative alternatives to traditional energy storage devices due to their high energy density, ease of fuel handling, and environmental benefits. However, one of the key challenges in DMFC technology is the development of efficient and durable Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) that can effectively separate the anode and cathode compartments, allowing for the efficient flow of protons while minimizing methanol crossover. In recent years, multicrosslinked bio membranes have attracted significant attention as potential candidates for PEMs in DMFCs [1].

Need for efficient proton exchange membranes

Proton exchange membranes play a critical role in DMFCs by facilitating the transfer of protons from the anode to the cathode while blocking the passage of methanol molecules. This selective permeability is crucial for preventing fuel crossover, which can reduce the efficiency of the fuel cell and lead to decreased power output. Traditional PEM materials, such as Nafion, have been widely used but suffer from limitations such as high methanol crossover, limited thermal stability, and high cost [2].

Multi-crosslinked bio membranes: An alternative approach

Multi-crosslinked bio membranes have emerged as a potential solution to address the limitations of traditional PEM materials. These bio membranes are typically composed of polymers with functional groups that can be crosslinked through various chemical reactions. The multi-crosslinking strategy involves incorporating multiple crosslinking agents and/or utilizing multiple crosslinking mechanisms to enhance the mechanical and chemical stability of the membranes [3].

Reduced methanol crossover: The multi-crosslinking approach helps to improve the selectivity of the membrane by creating a denser and more tortuous network. This reduces the permeation of methanol molecules while allowing for efficient proton transport, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the DMFC [4].

Enhanced thermal and chemical stability: Multi-crosslinked bio membranes often exhibit improved thermal and chemical stability compared to traditional PEM materials. This stability allows for operation at higher temperatures and in severe chemical environments, expanding the potential applications of DMFCs [5].

Mechanical strength and durability: The multi-crosslinking strategy enhances the mechanical properties of the bio membranes, making them more resistant to physical stress and preventing membrane degradation over time. This improved durability contributes to longer operating lifetimes of DMFCs [6].

Challenges and considerations

While multi-crosslinked bio membranes offer several advantages, there are still challenges and considerations to address for their successful implementation in DMFCs:

Synthesis and fabrication: Developing scalable and cost-effective synthesis and fabrication methods for multi-crosslinked bio membranes is a key challenge. The incorporation of multiple crosslinking agents and reactions can complicate the manufacturing process, requiring careful optimization [7].

Proton conductivity: Ensuring high proton conductivity while maintaining low methanol crossover remains a challenge. The design and optimization of the multi-crosslinked bio membranes must strike a balance between these two competing factors to achieve optimal performance [8].

Long-term stability: Long-term stability is critical for the practical application of DMFCs. Further research is needed to evaluate the durability and aging mechanisms of multicrosslinked bio membranes under real operating conditions to ensure their long-term stability [9].

The development of multi-crosslinked bio membranes holds great promise for improving the performance and durability of DMFCs. Further research and development efforts should focus on optimizing the crosslinking strategies, understanding the structure-property relationships, and exploring novel materials that offer superior performance in terms of methanol crossover, proton conductivity, and long-term stability [10].

Conclusion

Multi-crosslinked bio membranes offer a potential solution to the challenges associated with proton exchange membranes in DMFCs. By utilizing a multi-crosslinking approach, these bio membranes demonstrate reduced methanol crossover, enhanced thermal and chemical stability, and improved mechanical durability. However, further research is needed to address the challenges related to synthesis, proton conductivity, and longterm stability. With continued advancements in multicrosslinked bio membranes, the future of DMFC technology potential for efficient and sustainable energy conversion.

References

1. Zhang Z, Cui H, Zhang T, Zhang M, Wu L, Zhang X, et, al. Biomembrane and metal nanostructures for cancer theranostics: The state of the art in the combination of organic and inorganic chemistry. Mater Des. 2023:112067.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar]

2. Li Y, Wang ZY, Ren Q, Zhang F, Li XX, Wu Q, et, al. Y. N, N-bis (2-hydroxyethyl) malonamide based amidoxime functionalized polymer immobilized in biomembranes for highly selective adsorption of uranium (VI). Chemosphere. 2023;337:139321.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar]

3. Wang B, Han X, Wang Y, Kang L, Yang Y, Cui L, Zhong S, Cui X. Fabrication of alginate-based multi-crosslinked biomembranes for direct methanol fuel cell application. Carbohydr Polym. 2023;300:120261.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar]

4. Duncan AL, Pezeshkian W. Mesoscale simulations: an indispensable approach to understand biomembranes. Biophys J. 2023;122(11):1883-1889.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar]

5. Sarpietro MG, Torrisi C, Di Sotto A, Castelli F. Interaction of limonene, terpineol, and 1, 8 cineol with a model of biomembrane: A DSC study. Thermochim Acta. 2021;700:178938.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar]

6. Qamhieh K, Nylander T. Electrostatic interactions between cationic dendrimers and anionic model biomembrane. Chem Phys Lipids. 2022;246:105214.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar]

7. Ramos-Martín F, D'Amelio N. Biomembrane lipids: When physics and chemistry join to shape biological activity. Biochimie. 2022.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar]

8. Berkowitz ML, editor. Biomembrane simulations: Computational studies of biological membranes. CRC Press; 2019.

   [Google Scholar]

9. Wang J, Zhu M, Nie G. Biomembrane-based nanostructures for cancer targeting and therapy: From synthetic liposomes to natural biomembranes and membrane-vesicles. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2021;178:113974.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar]

10. Kumari M, Kashyap HK. Susceptibility of biomembrane structure towards amphiphiles, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents. InAdvances in Biomembranes and Lipid Self-Assembly. Academic Press. 2020;31:43-79.

    [Crossref][Google Scholar]