Proton exchange composite membranes comprisingSiO₂, sulfonatedSiO₂, and metal–organic frameworks loaded inSPEEKpolymer for fuel cell applications

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a promising technology that offers a clean and efficient renewable energy source. The hybrid SiO2, sulfonated SiO2 (SSiO2), 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/SSiO2/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 SSiO2 and MOF‐5 fillers when compared with the neat membrane. The synergistic effect of MOF‐5 and SSiO2 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.

Design and Development of Copper Trimesic Acid Anchored sPEEK/Polyimide Composite Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications

“…Commercial Nafion‐117, a per‐fluorinated membrane has high stability in both oxidation and reduction environment and possess a considerable proton conductivity. Although it has several advantages, it faces several short comings: (i) high cost, (ii) loss in performance at high operating temperature, (iii) excessive swelling with water, (iv) loss in mechanical stability and (v) low proton conductivity [14–27] . Considering the drawbacks of the commercial membrane, this study focusses on the development of alternative electrolyte membrane that is of low cost, high proton conductivity, chemically and mechanically stable under fuel cell operating conditions.…”

Anchoring HPW by amino‐modified MIL‐101(Cr) to improve the properties of SPEEK in proton exchange membranes

“…4 The mechanical stability of SPEEK ternary composite membrane doped with sulfonated SiO 2 and MOF-5 was improved, and the proton conductivity was 3.69 mS cm À1 , 32% higher than neat SPEEK membrane. 21 Another way of incorporating MOFs in membrane is blending into polymer matrix directly. For example, Huang et al 22 blended MOF-C-SO 3 H into SPEEK matrix, and the composite membrane showed higher proton conductivity and lower methanol permeability than that of Nafion 115.…”

“…Methanol penetration was inhibited and mechanical property of UiO-66-NH 2 @NFs/Nafion composite membrane was enhanced owing to the electrostatic interaction between the nanofiber framework and SO 3 H in the Nafion matrix. 7 Therefore, researches 3,4,7,[21][22][23] have confirmed that the introduction of MOFs into polymer matrix can enhance proton conductivity by forming acid-base pairs or constructing proton transport channels.…”

Enhancement of Thermal Behaviour of Flax with a Ramie Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composite

“…Composites are materials made from two or more distinct components with significantly different physical or chemical properties [ 1 , 2 ]. These materials have a wide range of applications, including in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries [ 3 , 4 ].…”