Impact of functionalization of nanoparticles on the barrier properties of ionomer-nanocomposite membranes for DMFC

Chedarampet S. Karthikeyan*, Suzana P. Nunes, L. A.S.A. Prado, K. Schulte

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ionomer nanocomposite membranes based on sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) were prepared using nanofillers of different shapes such as layered laponite, cylindrical MCM-41, and spherical aerosil, and were characterized for direct methanol fuel cells. Prior to the preparation of the nanocomposite membranes, the nanofillers were modified using imidazole glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane (IGPTES). The effect of surface modification of the inorganic nanofillers on the methanol permeability and proton conductivity is studied and discussed in this report. We found that nanocomposite membranes containing functionalized nanofillers displayed lower methanol permeabilities compared to the non-functionalized fillers at the same time retaining the proton conductivity. The effect of surface modification was more pronounced for aerosil membranes, which showed a drastic decrease in permeability and an increase in proton conductivity. However, membrane with modified MCM-41 is the suitable and promising candidate for direct methanol fuel cells as it displayed the best permeability and conductivity values. copyright The Electrochemical Society.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 6
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages1297-1304
Number of pages8
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)1566775019
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes
EventProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 6 - 210th Electrochemical Society Meeting - Cancun, Mexico
Duration: Oct 29 2006Nov 3 2006

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number1
Volume3
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Conference

ConferenceProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 6 - 210th Electrochemical Society Meeting
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityCancun
Period10/29/0611/3/06

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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