Abstract

In the present study, we report the synthesis, electrical and dynamic properties of a new generation bio-based nanocomposite, that is a proton-exchange membrane based on nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) and imidazole (Im). CNC serves as supporting material and imidazole acts as a proton donor and proton acceptor at the same time. The nanocomposite (1.3 CNC-Im) was synthesized as a film and shows proton conductivity equal to 4.0 × 10−1 S/m at 160 °C in anhydrous conditions. Analysis of impedance measurements and NMR spectra provided some insight into the macroscopic and microscopic processes involved in proton transport in 1.3 CNC-Im. Local processes such as reorientation of imidazole rings and breaking of hydrogen bonds are identified and their activation energies are calculated. The energies of the macroscopic and microscopic proton transport in CNC-Im film are correlated. The percolation model used confirmed the percolation nature of conductivity in cellulose composites with imidazole.

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

Disclaimer: 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.