Investigation of the Ag-SiO2/sulfonated poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) composite membranes for fuel cell

The Ag-SiO2/SPSU-BP composite membrane has been fabricated aiming to reduce the degradation of membrane by hydrogen peroxide attacking. The composite membrane was characterized by SEM and XRD analysis. Water uptake study and thermo-gravimetric analysis indicated that the hydrophilic Ag/SiO2 particles retain more water in the composite membrane. The hydrogen peroxide decomposition tests showed that the Ag/SiO2 in the composite membranes had a catalyst activity for the decomposition of peroxide. The accelerated fuel cell life tests were performed via the open-circuit voltage (OCV) tests. The durability of PEMFC with the Ag-SiO2/SPSU-BP composite membrane was improved. The result of hydrogen crossover study means that the addition of the Ag/SiO2 catalyst reduced the degradation of membrane by peroxide attack.