Abstract
A novel composite polymer electrolyte membrane composed of PVA polymer matrix and nanosized Montmorillonite (MMT) filler (2~20wt.%), was prepared by a solution casting method. The characteristic properties of the PVA/MMT composite polymer membrane were investigated using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and the AC impedance method. The PVA/MMT composite polymer membrane showed good thermal and mechanical properties, ionic conductivity. The PVA/10wt.%MMT composite polymer membrane with the highest ionic conductivity was around 0.0368 S cm-1 at 30oC. The methanol permeability (P) values were 3~4×10-6 cm2 s-1, which are smaller than that of Nafion 117 membrane of 5.8×10-6 cm2 s-1. It was revealed that the addition of nanosized MMT fillers into the PVA matrix could markedly improve the electrochemical properties of the PVA/MMT composite membrane; it can be accomplished by a simple blend method. As a result, the PVA/MMT composite polymer appears to be a potential candidate for the DMFC applications.
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