The preparation of novel sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone sulfone)/TiO₂ composite membranes with low methanol permeability for direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract

A sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone sulfone) (SPAEKS) with locally dense sulfonic acid groups is synthesized and different amounts of TiO2 is doped into SPAEKS matrix to prepare composite membranes (SPAEKS/TiO2-x). SEM shows that TiO2 in the composite membranes has good dispersibility when TiO2 content is not higher than 3%. The composite membranes show good mechanical properties, dimensional stability and oxidative stability. The proton conductivity of composite membranes is near to that of Nafion 117 membrane and methanol permeability of composite membranes is much lower than that of Nafion 117 membrane. Therefore, the proton selectivity of composite membranes is higher than that of Nafion 117 membrane. In particular, proton selectivity of SPAEKS/TiO2-3% (12.8 × 104 S s cm−3) is four times higher than that of Nafion 117 membrane (3.2 × 104 S s cm−3).

Effect of TiO2 and Al2O3 Addition on the Performance of Chitosan/Phosphotungstic Composite Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

“…It is documented in the literature that water retention properties strongly depend on the surface properties of inorganic filler particles [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ], considering that the strength of water adsorption on the particles is related to the charge of surface functional groups and to the particle surface area. Surface charge can be directly correlated to isoelectric point or zero charge pH, pH pzc , of the inorganic filler particles [ 38 ].…”

Novel Crosslinked Sulfonated PVA/PEO Doped with Phosphated Titanium Oxide Nanotubes as Effective Green Cation Exchange Membrane for Direct Borohydride Fuel Cells

“…An undoped membrane gives the lowest chemical stability, while introducing PO 4 TiO 2 as a dopant enhances the membrane resistance to OOH and OH radical attack. PVA/PEO/PO 4 TiO 2 -3 membrane was the most stable fabricated membrane at which its retained weight was approximately 99% and which gives proof of the addition of the doping agent such as TiO 2 or functionalized TiO 2 in increasing the chemical stability of the polymeric membranes [ 24 , 47 ].…”

A Highly Selective Novel Green Cation Exchange Membrane Doped with Ceramic Nanotubes Material for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

“…The SPVA/PEO membrane has the lowest stability against the oxidation condition; however, adding PO 4 TiO 2 as a dopant improves polymeric composite protection against OOH and OH radical. The PVA/PEO/PO 4 TiO 2 -3 membrane was the most chemically stable, with weight retention of nearly 100%, suggesting that adding a doping agent such as TiO 2 or functionalising TiO 2 improves the oxidation chemical stability of formulated membranes [20,48].…”