Evaluation of sulphonated polystyrene ethylene butylene polystyrene/montmorillonite nano-composites as proton exchange membranes

Abstract

Protons conducting sulphonated polystyrene ethylene butylene polystyrene (SPSEBS) membranes and solution interaction technique for fuel cell applications. Various composite membranes based on sulphonated polystyrene ethylene butylene polystyrene ionomer with montmorillonite were prepared to increase the mechanical strength as well as decrease the methanol permeability. Possible interaction between MMT and SPSEBS was studied by IR and XRD. The suitability of the composite membranes for fuel cell application was evaluated in terms of water uptake, Ion exchange capacity, methanol permeability and proton conductivity. The methanol absorption and permeability of the composite membranes was found to decrease with the increase in MMT content. The proton conductivity of the membranes was studied as a function of ion exchange capacity. The proton conductivity of the membrane was found to decrease slightly from that of SPSEBS membrane. The negative impact of Montmorillonite on the ionic conductivity was restricted. Hence, the low cost composite membranes can be considered for use in Fuel Cell Applications.