Abstract
The aim of this study is improving the proton conductivity and fuel cell performance of sulfonated poly (phthalazinone ether ketone) (SPPEK) based membranes through using the spherically shaped core@double-shell acidic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2@RF–SO3H) [RF:resorcinol–formaldehyde resin]. The Fe3O4@SiO2@RF–SO3H nanoparticles will affect the phase separation, and finally, act as crosslinkers to promote the membrane stability and water retention. The electrochemical and mechanical performances of produced membranes are remarkable, exhibiting high proton conductivity and power density with great life time over a wide temperature range. The nanocomposite membranes showed the highest proton conductivity of 127 mS/cm at 90 °C and 98% RH. This result due to the -SO3H groups of Fe3O4@SiO2@RF–SO3H nanoparticles and formation of more hydrogen bonds, which led to improve proton transfer through membrane via both Grotthus and Vehicle mechanism. The desirable power density of 0.52 W/cm2 at 0.5 V and 90 °C in optimum nanocomposite membrane approve their potential application in the fuel cells.
Published Version
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