ZrO2 incorporated polysulfone anion exchange membranes for fuel cell applications

Abstract

Novel imidazolium functionalized polysulfone (ImPS) membranes modified with zirconia (ZrO2) were synthesized through solution casting technique. Structural, morphological, thermal and mechanical analysis of the composite membranes confirmed adhesion and property enhancement caused by ZrO2. Water absorption investigations revealed better water absorption of the ImPS/ZrO2 membranes with intact morphology. Maximum ion exchange capacity and ionic conductivity for the composite membranes were obtained as 2.84 mmol/g and 80.2 mS/cm (50 °C) which was 21% and 47% higher as compared to pure ImPS membrane. Alkaline stability of the blend membranes was increased due to strong interaction between ZrO2 and ImPS molecules. Fuel cell performance using Pt/C catalysts exhibited OCP and power density elevation with incremental amounts of ZrO2 in the composite membrane composition. ImPS membrane with 10% ZrO2 recorded a highest OCP and power density of 1.04 V and 270 mW/cm2 which was 35% and 39% higher than the pure ImPS. Thus, the anion exchange membranes developed by ImPS/ZrO2 blending could be suiting well for alkaline fuel cells applications.