Title of article :
Cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol)/sulfonated nanoporous silica hybrid membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Author/Authors :
Beydaghi, Hossein Department of Chemistry - Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran , Javanbakht, Mehran Department of Chemistry - Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran , Badiei, Alireza School of Chemistry - College of Science - University of Tehran, Tehran
Abstract :
Organic–inorganic nanocomposite membranes
of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and nanoporous silica containing
sulfonic acid groups are synthesized in order to
increase the proton conductivity, water retention and
thermal stability of membrane. The cross-linked PVA/
SBA-15-propyl-SO3H nanocomposite membrane was prepared
by solution casting method. Infrared spectroscopy
and scanning electron microscopy are used to characterize
and confirm the structure of PVA and the cross-linked
membranes. The impedance spectroscopy, water uptake
and thermal stability of membranes are investigated to
confirm their applicability in fuel cells. It was found that
the cross-linked PVA/SBA-15-propyl-SO3H nanocomposite
membrane appears to be a good candidate for using in
PEM fuel cell.
Keywords :
Nanocomposite membrane , Sulfonated nanoporous silica , Proton conductivity , Fuel cell , poly(vinyl alcohol)
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics