Accession Number:

ADA056278

Title:

The Preparation of Some Novel Electrolytes: Synthesis of Partially Fluorinated Alkane Sulfonic Acids as Potential Fuel Cell Electrolytes.

Descriptive Note:

Interim technical rept.,

Corporate Author:

AMERICAN UNIV WASHINGTON D C

Personal Author(s):

• Bunyagidj,Chaiyun
• Aldridge,M. H.

Report Date:

1978-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

29.0

Abstract:

The objective of this research was to prepare some strong acids for evaluation by Fort Belvoir as potential fuel cell electrolytes. The only 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 search for a better fuel cell electrolyte. The following acids were prepared Methanedisulfonic acid Ethanesulfonic acid Ethane-1,2-disulfonic acid Propane-1,3-disulfonic acid Propane-1,2,3-trisulfonic acid Chlorotrifluoroethanesulfonic acid and 1,2,2-trifluoroethane-1,1,2-trisulfonic acid. Yields were low because of purification difficulties and future work will be concerned with scaling up the preparations.

Descriptors:

• *SYNTHESIS(CHEMISTRY)
• *ELECTROLYTES
• *FUEL CELLS
• *SULFONIC ACIDS
• ALKANES
• FLUORINATED HYDROCARBONS
• CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS

Subject Categories:

• Physical Chemistry
• Electric Power Production and Distribution

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE