Functionalized Graphene Nanofiber-Incorporated Fumion Anion-Exchange Membranes with Enhanced Alkaline Stability and Fuel-Cell Performances

Abstract

Anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) with high hydroxide conductivity, strong alkaline stability, and outstanding single-cell performance are in great demand for use in fuel cells and water electrolyzer applications. In this study, carboxylic acid-functionalized graphene nanofibers (c-GNF) were used as an effective filler to improve the electrochemical and physicochemical characteristics of the commercial FAA3 for anion-exchange membrane fuel-cell (AEMFC) application. The effects of c-GNF incorporation on the structural, morphological, and electrochemical performances of the composite membrane were systematically investigated. Introducing c-GNF into the FAA3 matrix increased the electrochemical performance and physicochemical stability of FAA3 membranes. Notably, the nanocomposite membrane containing 1.70 wt % of c-GNF reached a maximum hydroxide conductivity of 58.8 mS cm–1 at 90 °C, whereas the pristine FAA3 presented only 28.7 mS cm–1. In addition, the maximum peak power density (PPD) of 115.9 mW cm–2 was observed for the FAGNF at 1.70 wt % in a H2/O2 AEMFC at 60 °C. Moreover, the alkaline stability test demonstrated that c-GNF inclusion had a significant influence on membrane chemical stability by retaining the conductivity up to 71% after 500 h of immersion in 5 M NaOH at 60 °C. Overall, this study demonstrates the enhancement of properties of a commercial membrane for AEMFC application.

Development of Sulfonated Poly(vinyl alcohol)/MoS2-Based Robust Composite Proton Exchange Membranes with Higher Selectivity

“…Recently, CPEMs based on inorganic additives such as graphene oxide (GO), sulfonated graphene oxide, MoS 2 , graphene nanofibers, sulfonated MoS 2, sulfonated carbon nanotubes (CNTs), amine-functionalized CNT, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), montmorillonite (MTM), and polymers like poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polybenzimidazole (PBI), sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK), sulfonated poly­(arylene ether nitrile) (SPEN), sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES), poly­(perfluorosulfonic acid), poly­(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and sulfonated poly­(arylene ether sulfone) (SPAES) have been extensively investigated as an alternative for Nafion. Polymer backbone or the inorganic fillers have also been modified to introduce functional groups such as sulfonate, phosphate, chloride, nitride, quaternary ammonium salt, a quaternary phosphonium salt, etc., to further enhance the ionic conductivities in the CPEMs .…”

Advances and Prospects in the Study of Spherical Polyelectrolyte Brushes as a Dopant for Conducting Polymers

“…In summary, as a new type of functional material with excellent physical and chemical properties, conducting polymers have far-reaching application potential in industrial production, such as metal corrosion-resistant materials [ 13 , 14 ], microwave absorbing materials [ 15 , 16 ], electrical materials [ 17 , 18 , 19 ], sensitive materials [ 20 , 21 ], fuel cells and water electrolyzers [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Researchers are committed to the practical application of conducting polymers, which means improving comprehensive properties and reducing costs by doping.…”

Navigating Excellence: A Comprehensive Review on the Versatile Potential of High-Performance N-Heterocyclic Triazole as an Electrolyte for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

“…High power density, operating conditions at low temperature, and easy scale-up features project this polymer electrolyte fuel cell to be highly efficient, more than the others. , Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) , are the types of polymer electrolyte fuel cell that transports selective ions like protons and anions like OH – and Cl – with generation of electricity. Though AEMFCs subside the disadvantages caused by PEMFCs like carbon monoxide poisoning, the high cost of noble metal catalysts, and complex water management, it lacks in proton conductivity when compared to the state-of-the-art Nafion which turns on light toward the development of PEMFCs. , …”