Composite proton conductive membranes for elevated temperature and reduced relative humidity PEMFC

Elena Chalkova, Chunmei Wang, Sridhar Komarneni, Jeong K. Lee, Mark V. Fedkin, Serguei N. Lvov

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nafion/inorganic (inorganic = S-ZrO2, SiO2-SO 3H, SBA-15-SO3H, MCM-41-SO3H, and P-Si gels) composite membranes were synthesized with the goal of increasing the proton conductivity and water retention at elevated temperatures up to 120 °C and reduced relative humidity (RH) down to 25%. Inorganic materials were incorporated within the Nafion by three different techniques. The addition of inorganic particles increased the membrane ion exchange capacity (IEC). The conductivity of composite membranes with sulfonated inorganic materials was in agreement with their IEC but not higher than the conductivity of the recast Nafion in the whole range of inorganic loading. Conductivity of the Nafion/P-Si gel membranes was affected by the surface of inorganic powders and was higher for membranes prepared by in situ formation techniques. Effect of the inorganic phase on membrane performance in a fuel cell was much stronger than on its conductivity due to substantial improvement in membrane water retention properties.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationECS Transactions -Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 9
Pages1141-1150
Number of pages10
Edition1 PART 2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Event9th Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Symposium (PEMFC 9) - 216th Meeting of the Electrochemical Society - Vienna, Austria
Duration: Oct 4 2009Oct 9 2009

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number1 PART 2
Volume25
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Other

Other9th Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Symposium (PEMFC 9) - 216th Meeting of the Electrochemical Society
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityVienna
Period10/4/0910/9/09

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Composite proton conductive membranes for elevated temperature and reduced relative humidity PEMFC'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this