The Preparation of Some Novel Electrolytes: Synthesis of Partially Fluorinated Alkanesulfonic Acids as Potential Fuel Cell Electrolytes

摘要

The objective of this research was to prepare some strong acids for evaluation by Fort Belvoir as potential fuel cell electrolytes. The major acid, other than phosphoric, H3PO4, currently under investigation by Fort Belvoir as a fuel cell electrolyte is TFMSA, CF3SO3H.H2O, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid monohydrate aqueous solutions and sodium salt mixtures. TFMSA has been found to be superior to H3PO4 from the standpoint of electrode kinetics, but certain undesirable characteristics (volatility; wetting of Teflon) led to this research for a better fuel cell electrolyte.