An efficient composite membrane to improve the performance of PEM reversible fuel cells

Gabriele G Gagliardi,Domenico Borello,Carlotta Cosentini

doi:10.1051/e3sconf/202233404018

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop composite Nafion/GO membranes, varying GO loading, to be used in a Unitized reversible fuel cell comparing its performance with the baseline Nafion. Water uptake, ion exchange capacity (IEC), tensile strength, and SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis are discussed. The SEM analysis revealed how the GO is homogeneously disposed into the Nafion matrix. The addition of GO improves the membrane tensile strength while reducing the elongation ratio. Water uptake, IEC enhance with the increasing of GO content. Regarding fuel cell mode, the performance is analysed using a polarization curve on a MEA with an effective area of 9 cm2. The composite membrane demonstrated higher mechanical strength, enhanced water uptake so higher performance in fuel cell mode. Despite the power absorbed from the electrolysis is higher when using a composite membrane, the beneficial effect in FC mode resulted in a slightly higher round trip efficiency. The GO-Nafion membrane was not able to maintain its performance with increasing the operating time, so potentially leading to a lower lifetime than the Nafion bare.

Highlights

Considering the global warming, new technologies must be efficient and especially respectful of the environment
The presence of Graphene Oxide (GO) in the polymer structure has led to an increase in swelling and has improved water uptake due to the hydrophilic nature of graphene oxide
Nafion and GO-Nafion membranes were fabricated via solution casting to be tested in a PEM reversible fuel cell

Summary

Introduction

Considering the global warming, new technologies must be efficient and especially respectful of the environment. Despite many efforts to develop the URFC-PEM fuel cell technology in past decades, its major barriers including durability and cost for commercialization purpose have not been solved To overcome those issues, research has investigated ways of modifying the Nafion matrix for many reasons: (a) compared to other fuel cell components, the production cost of Nafion is significantly higher; (b) the durability is not efficient for long cycle unit cell operation due to the swelling nature of the membrane; and (c) fuel permeability. Graphene Oxide (GO) is a highly hydrophilic material and exhibits a reasonable level of proton conductivity Nafion and GO-Nafion composite membranes with variable GO loading were fabricated, characterised, and tested in-situ

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Conclusion