Nafion/TiO 2 composite membranes for different loadings of TiO 2 were prepared by casting method for the possible application in direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC). The properties of the composite membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyser (TGA), ion exchange capacity, water and alcohol uptake, swelling ratio, proton conductivity, and ethanol crossover. The observed characteristics of the membranes were evaluated for DEFC and compared with the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) membrane. The analysis reveales a significant influence on the TiO 2 surface characteristics, water and alcohol uptake, and swelling of the membrane. The TiO 2 composite membranes exhibited a sharp decrease in methanol and ethanol crossover for 5% TiO 2 and the proton conductivity was heighest for 1% TiO 2 loading. The best compromise between proton conductivity and crossover has been found out with the help of the characteristic factor . The optimum loading of 5% TiO 2 composite membrane has shown the maximum characteristic factor.
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