Development of the SiO 2 /Nano Ionomer Composite Membrane for the Application of High Temperature PEMFC

Abstract

ABSTRACT The SiO 2 membranes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) are preapared by electro-spinning method. It leads to high porosity and surface area of membrane to accommodate the proton conducting materials. The composite membrane was prepared by impregnating of Nafion ionomer into the pores of electrospun SiO 2 membranes. The SiO 2 :heteropolyacid (HPA) nano-particles as a inorganic proton conductor were prepared by microemulsion process and the particles are added to the Nafion ionomer. The characterization of the membranes was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and single cell performance test for PEMFC. The Nafion impregnated electrospun SiO 2 membrane showed good thermal stability, satisfactory mechanical properties and high proton conductivity. The addition of the SiO 2 :HPA nano-particle improved proton conductivity of the composite membrane, which allow further extension for operation temperature in low humidity environments. The composite membrane exhibited a promising properties for the application in high temperature PEMFC.KEY WORDS :PEMFC( 고분자 전해질 막 연료전지), Electrospinning(전기방사), SiO