Chitosan-ABS membrane for DMFC: Effect of sulfonation time and mass ratio of chitosan and ABS

Abstract

Abstract. Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) is fuel cell that converts directly chemical energy in methanol into electrical energy and can be used as a power source for portable electric devices. Compared to Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) which use hydrogen as the fuel, DMFC has some advantages, yet methanol-crossover remains a challenge to be solved. In this study, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and chitosan were blended and their characteristics as membrane for DMFC were evaluated. Membranes with variation of chitosan and ABS mass ratio (60:40 and 80:20) and sulfonation time (6, 12, 18, and 24 hours) were prepared and the characteristics such as water uptake, swelling degree, ion exchange capacity and methanol permeability were determined. Both chitosan and ABS mass ratio and time of sulfonation influence the investigated responses. As a result, blended chitosan and ABS is feasible as the DMFC membrane.

Fabrication and Characterization of Chitosan/N-Phthaloyl Composite Membrane for DMFC Application

“…Nafion®, a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer membrane, is considered the most preferred DOI: https://doi.org/10.25077/jrk.v12i2.408 DMFC proton exchange membrane for years [9], [10] having most of the desired properties such as favorable proton conductivity, superior thermal, chemical, and mechanical stability [10]- [12] . Nevertheless, some drawbacks also existed like expensive material, high methanol permeability, reduced efficiency at low humidity, and high temperature [13], [14] . The disadvantages of Nafion® membrane have inspired the development of alternative membrane material integrated with low cost, high proton conductivity, and low methanol permeability [15], [16] .…”