Synthesis and Ex‐situ Characterization of Nafion/TiO₂ Composite Membranes for Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell

Abstract

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.

A biocompatible nano TiO2/nafion composite modified glassy carbon electrode for the detection of fenitrothion

“…The rapid weight loss above 300°C may be due to the decomposition of sulphonic acid present in the nafion. At temperature above 500°C, the weight loss is very slow and the remaining residue is due to the TiO 2 content [67]. From these results it can be concluded that the composite film is stable and the decomposition of the film is well beyond the sensor operating temperature (10-50°C).…”

Improvement of PEMFC performance with Nafion/inorganic nanocomposite membrane electrode assembly prepared by ultrasonic coating technique

“…According to the literature several membrane properties may benefit from the presence of homogeneously dispersed organic/inorganic fillers such as hygroscopic inorganic oxide, zeolite, heteropoly acids, and zirconium hydrogen phosphate to enhance the water retention property. Barbora and coworkers have found that the presence of homogeneously dispersed organic/inorganic fillers such as; hygroscopic inorganic oxide (SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 ), zeolite, heteropoly acids, and zirconium hydrogen phosphate, enhance the water retention [36]. Machida et al have reported the effect of SiO 2 addition on the super-hydrophilic property of TiO 2 [37].…”

Impact of Mesoporous and Microporous Materials on Performance of Nafion and SPEEK Polymer Electrolytes: A Comparative Study in DEFCs

“…Song et al [8,9] have investigated the ethanol permeation through Nafion membrane and studied its effect on fuel cell performance. Similarly, Barbora et al [11] established reduced ethanol permeability with Nafion-TiO 2 composite membranes. Similarly, Barbora et al [11] established reduced ethanol permeability with Nafion-TiO 2 composite membranes.…”