Abstract
Sol–gel derived sulfonated diphenyldimethoxysilane (sDDS) with hydrophilic SO 3H functional groups were used as the additive to reduce the methanol permeability of Nafion. The Nafion-sDDS (N-sDDS) nano-composite membranes were prepared by mixing Nafion-dimethyl formamide (DMF) solutions with sDDS sol and casting to membranes. Swelling weight (SW) test and SEM characterization show the physical properties of the composite membranes and FT-IR analysis reveals the incorporation of the sDDS monomer within the composite membranes. The composite membranes’ methanol permeabilities are tested by gas chromatography according to the amount of the sulfonated silane. The cell performances of the N-sDDS membrane are evaluated and compared with the unsulfonated DDS composite membrane and Nafion ® 117. It was found that, compared with the Nafion ® 117 membrane, the nano-composite membrane with the thickness of 125 μm has a lower methanol permeability and better single cell performance than the unsulfonated DDS composite membrane.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
