Abstract
Low permeability layers of poly(1-vinylimidazole) were polymerised and deposited onto both sides of electrospun polyethersulfone (PES) nanofibrous sheet radiofrequency plasma. The layers not only act as an efficient fuel barrier layer but also impart high and stable proton conductivity, as well as better chemical and dimensional stabilities. Typically, the composite membrane exhibited methanol permeability as low as 33.20 x 10-8 cm2 s-1 and high through-plane proton conductivity of 52.4 mS cm-1 at 95% RH, indicating membrane selectivity of 0.675 x 108 mS.s cm-3, which is approximately 33 times greater than the selectivity of N115 under similar conditions.
Highlights
In order to improve energy efficiency and durability of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), the development of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) must be conducted
Proton conductivity of perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes is remarkable when used in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs)
Surface roughness of the membrane was determined from atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis
Summary
In order to improve energy efficiency and durability of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), the development of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) must be conducted. High methanol permeability results in fuel loss, as well as lower fuel cell performance and energy efficiency [7]. The expected higher volumetric energy density for DMFC and direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) compared to a hydrogen fuel cell cannot be achieved due to such undesired methanol crossover through commercially available membranes. Such limitation along with the sluggish kinetics of methanol or ethanol electrooxidation keeps such devices far away from their theoretical potentials
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