Abstract
This paper reports on the research and development of polymer electrolyte membranes based on sulfonated polysulfone and acidic silica materials for application in DMFCs at different operating temperatures. The sulfonated polysulfone (SPSf) was synthesized using trimethyl silyl chlorosulfonate as the sulfonating agent, whereas silica was modified by treatment with chlorosulfonic acid at room temperature. The composite membranes based on sulfonated polysulfone and acidic silica were prepared by using a casting method from dimethylacetamide solutions. The membranes were characterized in terms of ion exchange capacity, methanol/water uptake, proton conductivity and DMFC performance. The membrane containing 10 wt.% of acidic silica showed a promising performance in DMFC investigations at temperatures comprised between 30°C and 60°C. A maximum power density of 60 mW cm-2 was obtained at 60°C feeding 1M methanol solution at the anode and dry air at the cathode, both at atmospheric pressure.
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.
