Nanocomposite membranes based on polybenzimidazole and ZrO2 for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Nawn, G; Pace, G; Lavina, S; Vezzù, K; Negro, E; Bertasi, F; Polizzi, S; Di Noto, V
| HERO ID | 5183564 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2015 |
| Title | Nanocomposite membranes based on polybenzimidazole and ZrO2 for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells |
| Authors | Nawn, G; Pace, G; Lavina, S; Vezzù, K; Negro, E; Bertasi, F; Polizzi, S; Di Noto, V |
| Journal | ChemSusChem |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Page Numbers | 1381-1393 |
| Abstract | Owing to the numerous benefits obtained when operating proton exchange membrane fuel cells at elevated temperature (>100 °C), the development of thermally stable proton exchange membranes that demonstrate conductivity under anhydrous conditions remains a significant goal for fuel cell technology. This paper presents composite membranes consisting of poly[2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bibenzimidazole] (PBI4N) impregnated with a ZrO2 nanofiller of varying content (ranging from 0 to 22 wt %). The structure-property relationships of the acid-doped and undoped composite membranes have been studied using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, wide-angle X-ray scattering, infrared spectroscopy, and broadband electrical spectroscopy. Results indicate that the level of nanofiller has a significant effect on the membrane properties. From 0 to 8 wt %, the acid uptake as well as the thermal and mechanical properties of the membrane increase. As the nanofiller level is increased from 8 to 22 wt % the opposite effect is observed. At 185 °C, the ionic conductivity of [PBI4N(ZrO2 )0.231 ](H3 PO4 )13 is found to be 1.04×10(-1) S cm(-1) . This renders membranes of this type promising candidates for use in high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. |
| Doi | 10.1002/cssc.201403049 |
| Pmid | 25801848 |
| Wosid | WOS:000353511400011 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |