Abstract
Membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) with organic/inorganic composite membranes were fabricated and tested in air-breathing direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Various composite membranes based on Nafion ® ionomer with functionalized montmorillonite (MMT) were employed to reduce methanol cross-over without sacrificing proton conductivity by introducing sulfonic acid group at the MMT surface followed by blending with Nafion ionomer. Through a systematic investigation, the composite membrane containing 5 wt.% of MMT modified with 1,3-propane sultone was found to exhibit the best membrane selectivity among other membranes. Membrane–electrode interface of the composite membrane was improved by additional ionomer layer incorporated between membrane and catalyst layers. As a result, an improved DMFC performance was achieved compared to that with Nafion 112 or 115. Employing a self-humidifying diffusion layer, semi-passive DMFC tests were performed for various membranes, and it was confirmed that the composite membranes exhibit higher power density than the Nafion membranes. In particular, MEA with a thin composite membrane showed the highest power density and fuel efficiency among the membranes tested in semi-passive DMFCs.
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.
