Wiley-VCH
AbstractNafion composite membranes containing either hydrated tin oxide (SnO 2 ·nH 2 O) or sulfated tin oxide (SSnO 2 ) at 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% were prepared and characterized. The structural and electrochemical features of the samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, methanol crossover, and direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) tests. Highest conductivity values were obtained by using S-SnO 2 as filler (0.094 Scm -1 at T=110°C and RH=100%). The presence of the inorganic compound resulted in lower methanol crossover and improved DMFC performance with respect to a reference unfilled membrane. To improve the interface of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a layer of the composite electrolyte (i.e., the Nafion membrane containing 5 wt% S-SnO 2 ) was brushed on the electrodes, obtaining a DMFC operating at 110°C with a power density (PD) of 100 mWcm -2 which corresponds to a PD improvement of 52% with respect to the unfilled Nafion membrane.