Abstract
Abstract Sulfonated poly(indene) (SPInd), with 35% and 45% degree of sulfonation, was blended with Nafion to prepare blended membranes with 10, 15 and 20 wt.% of SPInd. Membranes were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Water uptake (WU), ion exchange capacity (IEC) and through-plane proton conductivity were measured. The membranes presented similar thermal stability to Nafion. WU was slightly higher for Nafion/SPInd membranes (19-21% at RT and 40-44% at 90 °C) compared with recast Nafion (16% and 34%, respectively), and IEC values showed a similar trend. Blended Nafion membranes had increased proton conductivity of 2.41 x 10-2 and 2.37 x 10-2 Scm-1 (20 wt. % of SPInd 35% and 45%, respectively), compared with 1.16 x 10-2 Scm-1 for recast Nafion. The results show that the addition of SPInd to Nafion is a potential route towards improving the performance of Nafion in proton conductivity for use in fuel cells devices.
Highlights
Fuel cell technology has emerged in recent years as a morphological structure comprised of a hydrophobic matrix keystone for future energy supply
Proton transport in the membrane relies on the presence of well-connected hydrophilic channels through the membrane, the water uptake and morphology of the membrane are crucial factors between others
Blended Nafion/sulfonated poly(indene) (SPInd) membranes resulted in uniform membranes but some fragile while handling, showed good proton conductivity
Summary
Fuel cell technology has emerged in recent years as a morphological structure comprised of a hydrophobic matrix keystone for future energy supply. Proton exchange and interconnected hydrophilic ionic clusters, called ionic membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), with high efficiency and high channels[8]. Nafion continues to be at the powered vehicles using Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel focus of research due to the superior performance, and Cells (PEMFCs) have been demonstrated by a number of auto Nafion composites containing other polymers or inorganic manufacturers and hydrogen powered buses are in service compounds have been widely studied[8,9,10]. A PEMFC electrochemically been made to prepare the composite membranes based on converts hydrogen and oxygen into electrical power, heat, and Nafion to improve the performance and reduce the cost of water.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
