Proton conducting composite membranes for fuel cell application

Composites were fabricated by blending SPSEBS (Sulfonated Poly Styrene Ethylene Butylene Poly Styrene) with Boron phosphate (BPO4) for proton conducting applications in fuel cells. The effects of boron phosphate and its relative loading were analyzed in terms of IEC and proton conductivity. Water and methanol uptake of these membranes were also studied. mbranes were characterized by IR spectroscopy. Thermal stability was studied by TGA and DSC analyses. Surface morphology was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The XRD studies indicated the existence of a certain level of crystallinity in the SPSEBS, and the composite membranes. Mechanical strength of the membranes was measured by Universal Testing Machine (UTM). This paper presents the result of recent investigations to develop an optimised in-house membrane electrode assembly (MEA) preparation technique combining catalyst ink spraying and assembly hot pressing. Easy steps were chosen in this preparation technique aiming at simplification and cost reduction.