Simon Fraser University

Purpose

This proposed research is focused on the study and development of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for high-performance CO2 electrolyzers based on polymers invented at SFU, with Ionomr Innovations Inc. acting as a pipeline to commercialization. These polymers and membranes possess high anionic conductivity and very high, state-of-the-art, chemical and mechanical stability. These solid polymer electrolytes have been demonstrated in fuel cells and water electrolyzers but in order to integrate the materials into electrolytic CO2 devices they must be chemically and physically tailored for the specific application of CO2 reduction, as both membrane and ionomer in the catalyst layer possess differentiated requirements from either of the original applications. SFU will work in partnership with Ionomr to prepare novel anion conducting polymers and to incorporate them into different support substrates to prepare robust membranes of suitable quality for piloting and commercial deployment of CO2 electrolyzer units. SFU and Ionomr will partner with NRC to integrate solid polymer electrolyte membranes into CO2 electrolytic devices in order demonstrate anion-exchange membranes that promote high efficiency, high durability CO2 electrolysis for carbon capture and valorization.