SPEEK-based composite membranes for direct methanol fuel cells

A. D'Epifanio*, B. Mecheri, F. C. Weise, S. Greenbaum, E. Traversa, S. Licoceia

*Corresponding author for this work

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

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK)-based composite membranes doped with 23 and 50 wt% of hydrated tin oxide (Sn02nH2O) were prepared and characterized for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) applications . The composite membranes were characterized in terms of ion exchange capacity (IEC), tensile tests, water uptake measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Pulsed-field-gradient spin-echo nuclear magnetic resonance (PFGSE NMR) spectroscopy. The body of results indicated the involvement of hydrated tin oxide in the proton conduction mechanism, the inorganic phase providing additional paths between the water clusters for proton transport. NMR measurements evidenced that Sn02 nH2O particles not only facilitate the proton transport but also hinder water diffUsion. Therefore, due to the selectivity of Sn02nH2O for proton diffUsion, the filler effect was found to be also beneficial for the reduction of methanol crossover through the SPEEK membrane and for improving the perfonnance of the SPEEK membrane when used as electrolyte in a DMFC test station.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings - Solid-State Ionics - 2008
Pages93-98
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
EventSolid-State Ionics 2008 - 2008 MRS Fall Meeting - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: Dec 1 2008Dec 5 2008

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Volume1126
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

Other

OtherSolid-State Ionics 2008 - 2008 MRS Fall Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period12/1/0812/5/08

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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