Composite nanofiber network membranes for PEM fuel cells

Jonghyun Choi, Kyung Min Lee, Ryszard Wycisk, Peter N. Pintauro, Patrick T. Mather

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemConference contribution

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new class of proton-exchange membranes has been developed and characterized, where an interconnected network of proton conducting polymer nanofibers is embedded in an inert (nonconducting) polymer matrix In the present study the nanofiber network membrane contained electrospun fibers from sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) solutions (with/without sulfonated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, sPOSS). The membranes were characterized in terms of morphology, proton conductivity, and water uptake. In-plane proton conductivity was measured using a BekkTech cell that was placed in a controlled temperature/humidity chamber. The data show: (1) There was a modest increase in nanofiber > 50%.membrane conductivity when the IEC of the fibers was increased from 2.1 to 2.6 mmol/g (in the absence of sPOSS), (2) There was a substantial increase in membrane conductivity when sPOSS was added to the fibers, and (3) The proton conductivity of the sPOSS-loaded membranes was significantly higher than that for a commercial Nafion 212 sample at 30°C for a relative humidity

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationECS Transactions - Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages1433-1442
Number of pages10
Edition2 PART 2
ISBN (Print)9781566776486
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8, PEMFC - 214th ECS Meeting - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: Oct 12 2008Oct 17 2008

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number2 PART 2
Volume16
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Other

OtherProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8, PEMFC - 214th ECS Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu, HI
Period10/12/0810/17/08

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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