Mineral nanofibre reinforced composite polymer electrolyte membranes with enhanced water retention capability in PEM fuel cells

Palygorskite as a type of natural mineral fiber with nano-size channel structure has been introduced into Nafion matrix to enhance both water retention capability and mechanical properties of the Nafion membrane. This composite membrane would increase water uptake by 10% more than pure Nafion membrane at 373 K and be much more stable in dimensional change. Characterized by thermal mechanical analysis (TMA), its mechanical properties were improved by 25% comparing with the pristine Nafion membrane. We also found that the palygorskite in Nafion matrix enhanced the proton conductivity of composite membrane by 75% more than pristine Nafion membrane at 0% RH. Therefore, this work provides a facile approach to improve performance of Nafion membranes by introducing one-dimensional hydrophilic mineral nanofibre into Nafion matrix.