Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a promising technology that offers a clean and efficient renewable energy source. The hybrid SiO2, sulfonated SiO2 (SSiO2), and metal–organic framework‐5 (MOF‐5) incorporated sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) ternary composite membranes are fabricated using dry phase inversion technique for PEMFC. The membrane performance is evaluated in terms of water uptake, ion exchange capacity, methanol permeability, and proton conductivity (PC) measurements. The morphological study of fabricated membranes was carried out using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analysis. The mechanical stability is strengthened up to 30–40%, and the PC gets enhanced with the incorporation of MOF‐5, achieving simultaneous improvement in proton conduction and membrane stability. The PC of the ternary SPEEK/SSiO2/MOF‐5 membrane is 3.69 × 10−3 S cm−1, 32% more than the neat membrane. A significant increase in selectivity of 23% is observed by incorporating SSiO2 and MOF‐5 fillers when compared with the neat membrane. The synergistic effect of MOF‐5 and SSiO2 in the ternary membrane has significantly improved water retention and proton conductivity. The functional SO3H groups of SiO2 and MOF‐5 bonded via acid–base electrostatic interactions with the SPEEK; enhances proton conduction accompanied by suppressing the methanol penetration through membranes.
Sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES), polyaniline (PANI), and Cloisite 15 A ® were used as modifiers for the fabrication of Mindel composite polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs). Pristine Mindel and Mindel composite PEMs were fabricated by the solution intercalation technique. The presence of modifiers in the Mindel membrane matrix was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies. The primary characteristics of pristine Mindel and Mindel PEMs such as water uptake, methanol uptake, proton conductivity ion-exchange capacity (IEC), and chemical and mechanical stability were evaluated. The pore size of Mindel/SPES/Cloisite 15 composite PEM was increased owing to the addition of SPES and Cloisite 15. The higher proton conductivity of 4.323 × 10 −4 S cm −1 , enhanced IEC of 0.482 mequiv. g −1 , and maximum water uptake (%) of 38.12 were noted for Mindel/SPES/Cloisite membrane. Membrane selectivity of all Mindel PEMs was enhanced by the addition of modifiers. The results of this study indicate that Mindel composite membranes could be utilized as PEMs for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC).
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