The scientific activity of the group is focused on the synthesis of conductive polymers (ionic and electronic) for energy generation and storage devices (polymeric membrane fuel cells, electrochemical supercapacitors and rechargeable metal-ion batteries).

Specifically, and for approximately 15 years, the development and electrochemical characterization of ion-exchange polymeric membranes for fuel cells based on perfluorosulfonated ionomers, commercial thermoplastic elastomers functionalized with ionic groups (sSEBS, sEPDM), polysulfones and sulfonated copolyimides has been carried out. Likewise, in order to improve the thermal and dimensional stability of the final membrane in a hydrated state, work is being done on the development of hybrid proton exchange membranes through the incorporation of different inorganic components of a hydrophilic nature (SBA15, TiO2, sepiolite, POSS, MOFs…), in some cases modified with ionic groups to maintain adequate conductivity values. Currently, a work strategy based on sol-gel chemistry has been established to develop organic-inorganic hybrid membranes with improved properties in their application as electrolytes for polymeric fuel cells and electrolyzers for the production of green hydrogen.

Personnel
Carmen Del Rio Bueno
Datos de contacto
Redes sociales

Main publications

B. Pascual-José, C. del Río, J. Mosa, A. Ribes-Greus, 2023, Dielectric properties of 40SiO2–40P2O5–20ZrO2/sulfonated styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene hybrid membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, 2023, Polymer 271: 125814.
 

C. Santamaría, E. Morales, C. del Río, B. Herradón, J.M. Amarilla, 2023, Studies on sodium-ion batteries: searching for the proper combination of the cathode material, the electrolyte and the working voltage. The role of magnesium substitution in layered manganese-rich oxides, and pyrrolidinium ionic liquid, Electrochim. Acta 439: 141654.
 

I. Gorban, N. Ureña, M.T. Pérez-Prior, A. Várez, B. Levenfeld, C. del Río, M. Soldatov, 2023, Using Metal Organic Framework HKUST-1 for the Preparation of High-Conductive Hybrid Membranes based on Multiblock Copolymers for Fuel Cells, Polymers 15: 323.
 

S. Swaby, N. Ureña, M.T. Pérez-Prior, C. del Río, A. Várez, J.Y. Sanchez, C. Iojoiu, B. Levenfeld, 2023, Proton Conducting Sulfonated Polysulfone and Polyphenylsulfone Multiblock Copolymers with Improved Performances for Fuel Cell Applications, J. Ind. Eng. Chem. 122: 366-377.
 

B. Pascual-José, C. del Río, J. Mosa, A. Ribes-Greus, 2022, Charge Transfer Mechanism in 40SiO2-40P2O5-20ZrO2/Sulfonated Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene Hybrid Membranes for Low Temperature Fuel Cells, Polymer 262: 125436.
 

Main projects

  1. Development, validation and service life behaviour of polyelectrolytes for fuel cells and reversible methanol electrolyzers (POLYELMETH). Proyectos I+D+I “Retos Investigación” 2020, MICIIN PID2020-116322RB-C31, sep2021-ago2025 (133.100,00 €)
  2. Environmentally-guided electricity storage devices: from the basics to the fabrication of sodium-ion battery prototypes (ECONABAT). Proyectos I+D+I “Retos Investigación” 2018, MICINN RTI2018-095425-B-I00, ene2019-sep2022 (140.360,00 €)
  3. Reengineering and validation of polymer membranes for decarbonization and production of energy using direct methanol fuel cells (PROTONCELL). Proyectos I+D+I “Retos Investigación” 2017, MINEICO ENE2017-86711-C3-1-R, ene2018-dic2020 (83.490,00 €)
  4. Fuel Cell Network for a Sustainable Energy Future (REPICOMES). Acciones de Dinamización, Agencia Estatal de Investigación. "Redes de Excelencia" ENE2017-90932-REDT, ene2018-dic2020 (18.000,00 €)
  5. New direct alcohol and hydrogen fuel cells for naval and aeronautical applications (PILCONAER). Comunidad de Madrid Programas de I+D en Tecnologías/2013 (S2013/MAE-2975) oct2014-oct2018 (615.250,00 €)