Dimensional Stability Research Articles

Covalently crosslinked poly(biphenyl dimethylamino benzene) membranes for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells

The electrolyte membrane plays a pivotal role in high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). Herein, we develops a new triarylmethane-backboned polymer, poly (biphenyl dimethylamino benzene) (PBDAB), synthesized through a facile one-step Friedel-Crafts reaction using biphenyl and 4-(dimethylamino) benzaldehyde as monomers. The presence of tertiary amine groups in PBDAB facilitates strong interactions with phosphoric acid (PA) molecules. To enhance the membrane's dimensional and mechanical stabilities, covalent crosslinking is performed via the Menshutkin reaction between the tertiary amine groups in PBDAB and chloromethyl groups in various crosslinkers. In order to study the influence of crosslinker chemical structure on the properties of PBDAB-based membranes, five different crosslinkers are employed, including small-molecule types such as 1,2-bis(2-chloroethoxy) ethane (BCE) and 1,4-bis(chloromethyl) benzene (BCB), siloxane type 3-chloropropyl (trimethoxy) silane (CTS), polymer types such as poly (vinylbenzyl chloride) (PVBC) and polyepichlorohydrin (PECH). Results reveal that the flexible and ether containing polymer crosslinker of PECH crosslinked membrane, denoted as CL-y%PECH, exhibits superior overall performance. When doped in an 85 wt% PA solution, the CL-5%PECH membrane achieves a PA uptake of 201%, resulting in an anhydrous proton conductivity of 0.064 S cm−1 at 180 °C and a mechanical strength of 7.2 MPa at room temperature. Using H2 and O2 as fed gases without humidification and backpressure, a single cell with abovementioned membrane attains a peak power density of 302 mW cm−2 at 160 °C. This work offers a kind of promising PBDAB based membranes for HT-PEMFC applications.

Thermal expansion behavior and analysis of Al/AlN interpenetrating phase composites with different preform porosity

In this work, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Al/AlN interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) has been measured based on the length change from room temperature (RT) to 200 °C. 3D representative volume elements (RVEs) are created to model the microstructures of Al/AlN IPCs and the finite element models generated from RVEs are used to study thermal expansion behavior. CTE was predicted utilizing the finite element method (FEM) and thermo-elastic models of Kerner, Turner and Schapery, after which the results were compared with the experimental values. According to experimental results, a notable reduction in the CTE of IPCs is observed as preform porosity decreases. This shows that an AlN preform can effectively enhance dimensional stability. A comparative analysis of extant literature indicates that IPCs may attain a lower CTE compared to particle-reinforced composites. Experimental data align closely with analytical models. The FE simulation results demonstrate better consistency with experimental data only under conditions of high preform porosity, since residual thermal stresses and plastic deformation were not considered.

Quality Assessment of Socks Produced from Viscose and Lyocell Fibers.

Most casual socks are produced from cotton and are usually combined with synthetic fibers. The suitability of viscose and lyocell fibers for knitting socks needs to be investigated further. Therefore, three series of plain socks were produced, composed in the largest content from single-spun viscose or lyocell yarns fully plated with texturized polyamide 6.6 multifilament yarn. The quality of three types of main yarns manufactured by ring, open-end rotor, and air-jet spinning processes and two types of polyamide plating yarns used in the production of socks were assessed together with the structural, usage, and comfort quality of the socks before and after simulating household laundering. In comparison with cotton socks produced from ring-spun yarns under the same conditions, the results showed that viscose and lyocell socks have better moisture absorption and breathability, comparable dimensional stability, and lower abrasion resistance; lyocell socks have lower thermal resistance; and viscose socks are less prone to surface pilling after wet pretreatment.

Excellently conductive fluorinated poly (acenaphthylenyl aryl piperidinium) anion exchange membranes with robust dimensional stability

In this work, the polymerization of hydrophobic pentafluorophenylethyl into the high conductivity poly (acenaphthenyl aryl piperidinium) backbone was catalyzed by an efficient and facile one-pot method with super-strong acids to build enhanced phase separation structures while maintaining low swelling. The prepared QPANTP-20-F15 membrane exhibited the most significant hydrophilic-hydrophobic separation phenomenon, with the conductivity as high as 192.19 mS cm−1 at 80 °C. Due to the incorporation of hydrophobic fluorinated groups, the water uptake of the membrane was limited, and its mechanical (71.0 MPa under hydrated condition) and dimensional stability property (11.32% swelling) showed improved results. In addition, after 1200 h at 80 °C in 3 M/5 M NaOH solution, the structure of the prepared polymer exhibited excellent chemical stability property, with conductivity remaining of 95.04% and 86.38%, respectively. With current density of 706 mA cm−2 at 80 °C, the AEMFCs achieved a peak power density of 321 mW cm−2.

Green Chemical Approach for the Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles and Investigation of their Cytotoxicity

AbstractIn this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) are synthesized and combined with chitosan (Cs) to create Cs/ZnO‐NPs nanomicelles, aiming to investigate their potential as a novel cancer treatment. The ZnO‐NPs are produced through a sintering process at temperatures ranging from 300 to 700 °C. The most effective nanoparticles are obtained at 600 °C, as determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses, which confirmed their crystallinity and purity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are employed to characterize the size and shape of the nanoparticles, revealing predominantly spherical and hexagonal structures with stable dimensions. The cytotoxic effects of the Cs/ZnO‐NPs are evaluated against various cancer cell types. The results show that at a concentration of 125 µg mL−1, the Cs/ZnO‐NPs demonstrate significantly higher cancer cell toxicity compared to ZnO‐NPs alone, while remaining non‐toxic to normal cells. This indicates that Cs/ZnO‐NPs have a superior ability to selectively target cancer cells. These findings suggest that Cs/ZnO‐NPs nanomicelles hold promise as an effective and safe nanotherapeutic approach in the realm of cancer treatment, meriting further exploration for clinical applications.

Synthesis of Hybrid Composites from Bio-Based Fillers: Chicken Feather, Groundnut Shell, Sawdust

Experimental research has investigated the mechanical characteristics and water absorption performance of polyethylene-based composites reinforced with sawdust, chicken feathers and groundnut shells. Composite samples have been produced with preset volumetric ratios (20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) at 160°C and 25 kN pressure. A compression molding machine was used to produce specimens of composite materials. The findings indicate that the composites exhibit promising mechanical properties, making them potentially suitable for various applications. However, the waste polyethylene sheet was tested for comparison. It displayed a tensile strength of 7.56 MPa, impact strength with an average energy absorption of 0.093 J, and hardness strength with an average energy value of 92.72 J. The water absorbency data showed minimal water absorption for composite samples, indicating their resistance to water penetration. Similarly, the thickness swelling data revealed no significant change in thickness after immersion, demonstrating dimensional stability in the presence of moisture. This article presents the details of these experiments conducted systematically.

Preparation and Characterization of 3D Printed Objects Based on Different Kefir Gels

AbstractIn this study, kefir-containing healthy snacks were produced by using 3D food printing technique. Although kefir has many important health benefits, its consumption is quite low. It was thought that kefir-containing snacks in attractive shapes produced with a 3D food printer could increase the kefir consumption. For this purpose, disintegrated kefir gels prepared with starch, gelatin and alginate were used as inks. First, the minimum gelation concentration (C*) of each gelator was determined. Then, disintegrated gels with concentrations of C*, C*+1%, and C*+2% were prepared with each gelator and the effect of gelator concentration on printing quality was investigated for each gelator. Printing quality was associated with storage modulus, loss factor and flow behavior, and the minimum gelator concentration required for a suitable formulation for 3D printing (highest printability and dimensional stability) was determined as 5%, 6% and 3% for starch, gelatin and alginate, respectively. Lactobacillus spp. and Lactococcus spp. contents of the starch-based sample were found to be significantly lower than those of fresh kefir and gelatin and alginate-based samples. Sensory properties and consumer appreciation were lower for the gelatin-based sample. Due to the high printing quality (98% printability and 99% dimensional stability), high probiotic content (7.81 and 8.13 log cfu/ml Lactobacillus spp. and Lactococcus spp. content, respectively) and high consumer appreciation (4.71 out of 5 for general acceptance), alginate-based sample (containing 3% alginate) was chosen as the best sample. In conclusion, new, chewable, alive, alternative kefir products were successfully developed for consumers seeking new ways of kefir consumption.

High conductive and dimensional stability proton exchange membranes with an all-carbon main chain and densely sulfonated structure

Sulfonated polyarylene membranes are demonstrated to be efficient as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in clean energy conversion systems. In this study, we design and synthesize a series of sulfonated polyarylene with all-carbon backbones and densely sulfonated pendant groups, which can be prepared by copolymerization of 1,3-Disulfonic acid benzaldehyde, 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone and biphenyl under superacid-catalyzed conditions. Rigid, hydrophobic backbone and hydrophilic side chains make the membrane form good microphase separation morphology. The PEMs exhibit high proton conductivity (404 mS cm−1) and excellent dimensional stability (swelling ratio lower than 24% and water uptake lower than 40%) at 80 °C. Moreover, the PEMs show good oxidization stability (the retaining weight rate of membrane up to 99.2% for 1 h oxidative treatment), and the oxidization stability and degradation mechanism of Ar3CH in polymer backbone are also studied. The H2/O2 fuel cell assembled with PEMs exhibited a maximum peak power density of 560 mW cm−2. It indicates that all-carbon main chain and densely sulfonated structure show great potential for improving the performance of PEMs.

Ultrathin Free-Standing Porous Aromatic Framework Membranes for Efficient Anion Transport.

Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) show promising potential in anionic conduction due to their high stability and customizable functionality. However, the insolubility of most PAFs presents a significant challenge in their processing into membranes and subsequent applications. In this study, continuous PAF membranes with adjustable thickness were successfully created using liquid-solid interfacial polymerization. The rigid backbone and the stable C-C coupling endow PAF membrane with superior chemical and dimensional stabilities over most conventional polymer membranes. Different quaternary ammonium functionalities were anchored to the backbone through flexible alkyl chains with tunable length. The optimal PAF membrane exhibited an OH- conductivity of 356.6 mS ⋅ cm-1 at 80 °C and 98 % relative humidity. Additionally, the PAF membrane exhibited outstanding alkaline stability, retaining 95 % of its OH- conductivity after 1000 hours in 1 M NaOH. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of PAF materials in anion exchange membranes, achieving the highest OH- conductivity and exceptional chemical/dimensional stability. This work provides the possibility for the potential of PAF materials in anionic conductive membranes.

Ultrathin Free‐Standing Porous Aromatic Framework Membranes for Efficient Anion Transport

Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) show promising potential in anionic conduction due to their high stability and customizable functionality. However, the insolubility of most PAFs presents a significant challenge in their processing into membranes and subsequent applications. In this study, continuous PAF membranes with adjustable thickness were successfully created using liquid‐solid interfacial polymerization. The rigid backbone and the stable C−C coupling endow PAF membrane with superior chemical and dimensional stabilities over most conventional polymer membranes. Different quaternary ammonium functionalities were anchored to the backbone through flexible alkyl chains with tunable length. The optimal PAF membrane exhibited an OH‐ conductivity of 356.6 mS∙cm‐1 at 80 °C and 98% relative humidity. Additionally, the PAF membrane exhibited outstanding alkaline stability, retaining 95% of its OH− conductivity after 1000 hours in 1M NaOH. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of PAF materials in anion exchange membranes, achieving the highest OH− conductivity and exceptional chemical/dimensional stability. This work provides the possibility for the potential of PAF materials in anionic conductive membranes.

Flower-like NiCo2O4 spinel microspheres for efficient chlorine evolution under neutral conditions

Dimensional stability anodes (DSA), constructed using noble metal oxides like RuO2 and IrO2, is widely used in industrial chlorine production. The DSA electrode demonstrates exceptional chlorine evolution capabilities in acidic solutions and high-chloride concentrations. However, under neutral conditions, its chlorine evolution efficiency diminishes significantly. In this paper, a low-cost, high-efficiency 3D flower-like NiCo2O4 catalyst was fabricated that exhibits high catalytic activity in neutral sodium chloride solutions. The 3D flower-like NiCo2O4 catalyst exhibits good chlorine evolution efficiency, achieving 90 % at 30 mA/cm2 in NaCl solutions. Furthermore, it's chlorine evolution efficiency of the electrocatalyst surpasses that of commercial DSA electrode at various current densities, making it a highly promising candidate for electrocatalytic applications.

Towards high conductivity and stability diblock poly(norbornene)s-based anion exchange membranes crosslinked with alkyl quaternary ammonium cationic clusters

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with exceptional comprehensive performance, combining high conductivity, alkaline and dimensional stability, have been indispensable for the practical application in fuel cells. Herein, a robust addition poly(norbornene)s-based AEMs with an all-carbon-hydrogen bicyclic skeleton were fabricated by cross-linking of alkyl quaternary ammonium cationic clusters and further quaternization. The partially crosslinked AEMs adopt a synergistic strategy that combines diblock copolymer backbone, cationic cluster crosslinking structure, and long flexible spacer suspended with cationic head groups. Benefiting from these structural design advantages, the prepared AEMs possessed excellent hydroxide conductivity (133.9–146.9 mS cm−1) and low swelling ratio (SR ≦ 20%) at 80 °C. The robust crosslinked AEMs exhibited good mechanical properties and high thermostability, with onset of decomposition temperatures up to 240 °C. Furthermore, after 44 days treatment in 1 M NaOH solution at 80 °C, the hydroxide conductivity of AEMs maintained at 79.4–85.7% of the initial value depending on the crosslinking degree, demonstrating excellent alkaline stability. In addition, the H2/O2 single cell equipped with CL20-aPNB-TAT-QA-1.75 achieved a peak power density of 338.0 mW cm−2 at 80 °C. The study provided a meaningful insight to exploit the practical application of multi-cation clusters crosslinked addition poly(norbornene)s-based AEMs in fuel cells.

Mechanical characterization and strain analysis applied to the heat treatment of wood materials, by means of digital image correlation

Digital image correlation (DIC) was used to examine the strain distribution of heat-treated beech and Uludag fir woods in mechanical testing. It also evaluated the effects of the heat treatment process on the properties of the wood samples. The physical (mass/density loss, dimensional stability, color change, and surface roughness), mechanical (flexure test and compressive strength), morphological, thermal, and structural properties of the heat-treated wood were examined. It was determined that the heat treatment parameters can be optimized using the DIC method. The test results showed that although heat treatment can provide improved physical and thermal properties, it caused micro-crack formations and collapses in the wood cells. As a consequence, the mechanical properties of the heat-treated wood materials decreased with the heat treatment process. There were slight differences in the curves of the samples according to Fourier infrared and X-ray diffraction analyses. Morphological characterization showed that the heat treatment triggered large cracks in the cell wall and lumens and the morphological structure of heat-treated wood was affected at large percentages.

The Effect of Wood Species and Laminae Composition on the Properties of Cross-Laminated Beam Made from Community Forest Wood

Community forests offer diverse wood species and quantities, potentially meeting the increasing demand for wood-building materials driven by the green building concept. The diverse species have varied specific gravity. Combining wood species and cross-lamination engineering could improve the strength and dimensional stability of low-density and medium-density wood from community forests. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the effect of wood species and laminae composition on the properties of 5-ply cross-laminated beams (CLB). The 5-ply CLB was made in 5 cm x 5 cm x 112 cm with 1 cm laminae thickness. The species used were sengon, jabon, and mahogany, with acacia as enforcement. This research also compared homogeneous and heterogeneous laminae composition. The results showed that wood species and laminae composition significantly affect the mechanical properties. Heterogeneous compositions had higher mechanical properties than homogeneous compositions. The delamination test revealed that the CLB had high water resistance on cold and hot immersion even though the beams used up to three wood species.

Optimization Of Hybrid Composite Laminates With Various Materials Using GA/GPSA Hybrid Algorithm for Maximum Dimensional Stability

In this study, it is aimed to obtain the highest dimensional stability against temperature changes in fiber-reinforced hybrid composite laminates considering eight different composite materials: Aramid/Epoxy, AS4/Epoxy, Boron/Epoxy, E-Glass/Epoxy, IM6/Epoxy, GY70/Epoxy, Kevlar49/Epoxy, and Spectra/Epoxy. The study focuses on finding the optimum continuous and traditional fiber angle orientations for the hybrid composite plates that would provide the lowest coefficients of thermal expansion. For this purpose, two different laminate sequences were investigated, each including two materials. A hybrid algorithm combining genetic algorithm and generalized pattern search algorithm was used in the optimization. A great number of hybrid design problems were solved repeatedly, and their results were compared both within themselves and to the optimum non-hybrid laminate results. Furthermore, the thermal durability of the selected optimum hybrid designs was evaluated by Tsai-Wu failure and Hashin-Rotem criteria. The results reveal that substantial increase in dimensional stability can be achieved by stacking sequence optimization of hybrid composite laminates with multiple material selection, and this hybrid design approach can offer the desired laminated composite structures for aerospace applications required to withstand extreme temperature changes.

Investigating the Out-of-Plane Bending Stiffness Properties in Hybrid Species Diagonal-Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Since the introduction of Cross-laminated Timber (CLT) in Austria in the early 1990s, the adoption of this 90°-crosswise-laminated product has seen exponential growth worldwide. Compared to traditional laminated timber products (e.g., glulam), CLT provides improved dimensional stability but with reduced out-of-plane bending stiffness. To improve the bending stiffness, while maintaining relative dimensional stability, a modified orientation of the inner layers in a diagonal direction can be used. This novel product is Diagonal-Cross-laminated Timber (DCLT), a composite timber product, consisting of inner layers which are rotated at different angle-ply orientations between 0 and 90 degrees to the outer layers. To properly model the out-of-plane bending behavior of the DCLT, analytical models and finite element analysis (FEA) were used, and the results were validated by four-point bending tests performed on DCLT panels with angle-ply orientations of 10°, 20°, 40°, 70°, and a conventional CLT 90° panel. The results indicate that DCLT panels with angle-ply cross layers have a structural advantage in out-of-plane bending over traditional CLT (90°) panels. The apparent bending stiffness from DCLT 90° to DCLT ± 10° has an increase of 33%, 24%, and 35%, respectively, regarding the assessed methods of experimental, theoretical, and FEM modeling. Using these panels would allow for increased spans or load-carrying capacity for a given panel span-to-depth ratio. The development of DCLT and its introduction to the industry not only could enable the use of lower-quality timber that would not otherwise satisfy structural requirements for CLT but also could help reduce the fabrication cost of CLT due to utilizing lower amounts of fiber.

3D-printable construction and demolition waste-based geopolymer: Investigating the effects of additives on engineering properties

This paper focuses on the investigating the effects of various additives on the engineering properties of construction and demolition waste (CDW)-based geopolymer mortars. In this study, low-activity CDW-based precursors, specifically brick waste (BW) and concrete waste (CW), were employed. Additionally, industrial waste-based precursors such as slag (S) and silica fume (SF) were utilized to enhance the overall composition. To facilitate activation, a 5 M solution of NaOH was used. To address the efflorescence issue prevalent in geopolymer mixtures and to eliminate potential cracks that may arise due to the dimensional stability problem of 3D-printed CDW-based geopolymer, various kind of additives including calcite, polypropylene fiber, nano SiO2, Al2O3, and TiO2, carbon nano tubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelet (GNP), methyl cellulose (MC), Na2SiO3, calcium oxide (CaO), calcium aluminate cement (CAC), and Ca(OH)2 were incorporated into the matrix. The research utilized a comprehensive testing methodology, allowing for a detailed exploration of various properties and the performance of the geopolymer mixtures. The results indicated that nano SiO2 and Al2O3, Na2SiO3, BW, and CAC were recognized for their positive impact on improving the mechanical properties of the geopolymer. Notably, the geopolymer exhibited an impressive compressive strength of 29.8 MPa and a flexural strength of 5.4 MPa following a 28-day ambient curing (23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity). Furthermore, the inclusion of nano SiO2 and Al2O3, GNP, MC, Na2SiO3, CaO, CAC, and Ca(OH)2 proved effective in preventing efflorescence, while MC, Na2SiO3, CaO, CAC, and Ca(OH)2 successfully mitigated cracks formation. The results also demonstrated that the CDW-based geopolymer mixture is suitable for 3D printing, displaying satisfactory buildability, shape retention, and extrudability. A thorough testing approach highlighted the effectiveness of additives in shaping the properties of CDW-based geopolymer, positioning them as promising for improvement and addressing challenges.

Impact of Heat Treatment on Dimensional Stability of Salix tetrasperma Roxb. Wood

The present investigation was carried out during the years October, 2021–September, 2022 in the Laboratory of the Department of Forest Products, Dr. Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni, Solan. Thermal modification was performed on the samples of Salix tetrasperma at various temperatures 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160 and 200°C for 2, 4 and 6h under stability oven, to asses its impact on wood dimensional stability. The data pertaining on maximum moisture content, swelling coefficient and shrinkage coefficient shows significant variation. The maximum moisture content at different temperature treatment, was recorded to be maximum (192.03%) in control and minimum (140.09%) at 200°C, whereas for durations the maximum moisture content (164.77%) was observed at 2 h while minimum (161.77%) at 6 h. Among interactions, the maximum value (192.03%) was observed in control and minimum (139.42%) was found at 200°C (6 h). In volumetric swelling and shrinkage coefficient, maximum values (8.03%) and (7.42%) among temperatures were found in control and minimum values (3.85%) and (3.42%) were observed at 200°C (6 h). Among durations, the highest values (5.94%) and (5.73%) were found at 2 h and the lowest values (5.60%) and (5.50%) were observed at 6h. The interactions in volumetric swelling coefficient showed significant results and the highest value (8.03%) was noticed in control and the lowest value (3.74%) at 200°C (6 h), However, interactions in volumetric shrinkage coefficient were found to be non-significant. This indicated that after thermal treatment, wood becomes less hygroscopic and exhibits less wear and tear, even in a harsh environment.

Influence of Linear Density of Polyamide Plating Yarn on the Usage and Comfort Properties of Men’s Cotton Socks

Socks, being a necessary item of clothing, must be comfortable and maintain their quality throughout their life. Therefore, it is very important to select the yarns for their production. Usually, casual socks are made from a high percentage of cotton to ensure softness and comfort, and blended with polyamide to improve fit, durability and shrink resistance. The objective of this study is to compare five groups of black colored cotton calf-length men's socks produced under the same conditions in full plating with different textured polyamide 6.6 multifilament yarns, designated as: 22 dtex f7 × 2, 33 dtex f10 × 2, 44 dtex f13 × 2, 78 dtex f23 × 2, 110 dtex f34 × 2. The influence of the linear density of the polyamide plating yarn on the usage properties of the socks was evaluated by testing abrasion resistance and propensity to surface pilling with the Martindale abrasion and pilling tester, dimensional stability and color fastness to washing, perspiration and rubbing, as well as on comfort-related properties by testing moisture absorption, air permeability and thermal resistance with the Thermal foot manikin system. In addition, the basic physical properties of the socks, consisting of density parameters, mass and thickness were measured, all according to the standardized test methods. The results show that increasing the linear density of polyamide 6.6 yarns (i.e., increasing the amount of polyamide in the socks) has the following effects: increase in mass, thickness and structural change of sock plain knits, increase in abrasion resistance and change in dimensional stability of socks, decrease in moisture absorption, air permeability and thermal comfort of socks. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that when selecting the plating yarn for the production of cotton socks, it is necessary to take into account their linear density and structure, as well as the intended purpose of the socks, their specified comfort and the expected usage quality.

Proton Exchange Membranes from Sulfonated Lignin Nanocomposites for Redox Flow Battery Applications.

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are increasingly being considered for a wide range of energy storage applications, and such devices rely on proton exchange membranes (PEMs) to function. PEMs are high-cost, petroleum-derived polymers that often possess limited durability, variable electrochemical performance, and are linked to discharge of perfluorinated compounds. Alternative PEMs that utilize biobased materials, including lignin and sulfonated lignin (SL), low-cost byproducts of the wood pulping process, have struggled to balance electrochemical performance with dimensional stability. Herein, SL nanoparticles are demonstrated for use as a nature-derived, ion-conducting PEM material. SL nanoparticles (NanoSLs) can be synthesized for increased surface area, uniformity, and miscibility compared with macrosized lignin, improving proton conductivity. After addition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) as a structural backbone, membranes with the highest NanoSL concentration demonstrated an ion exchange capacity of 1.26 meqg-1, above that of the commercial PEM Nafion 112 (0.98 meqg-1), along with a conductivity of 80.4 mScm-1 in situ, above that of many biocomposite PEMs, and a coulombic efficiency (CE), energy efficiency (EE) and voltage efficiency (VE) of 91%, 68% and 78%, respectively at 20mAcm-2. These nanocomposite PEMs demonstrate the potential for valorization of forest biomass waste streams for high value clean energy applications.