Preparation and Characterization of the PVA/TiO2 Composite Polymer Membrane and its Application on Alkaline DMFC

Abstract

A novel poly(vinyl alcohol)/titanium dioxide (PVA/TiO2) composite polymer membrane was prepared by a sol-gel method. The characteristic properties of PVA/TiO2 nanocomposite polymer membranes were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), methanol permeability and AC impedance spectroscopy. It was found that the addition of the TiO2 fillers into the PVA polymer matrix was improved their ionic conductivities, thermal and mechanical properties, and dimensional stability. It was also found that alkaline DMFC with the PVA/TiO2 composite polymer membrane showed excellent electrochemical performance at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. As a result, the maximum power density of alkaline DMFC in a mixture solution of 8M KOH + 2M CH3OH is 18.42 mW cm-2 at 60oC and ambient air.