Proton-conductive nano zeolite-PVA composite film as a new water-absorbing electrolyte for water electrolysis

Abstract

Abstract. In this study, organic-inorganic composite electrolyte membranes are developed for a novel water-absorbing porous electrolyte water electrolysis cell. As the materials of the composite electrolyte membrane, 80 wt% of a proton-conducting nano zeolite (H-MFI) as an electrolyte and 20 wt% of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a cross-linkable matrix are used. The nano zeolite is prepared by a milling process. The nano zeolite-PVA composite membrane precursors are prepared by spraying onto a substrate, followed by cross-linking. The resulting nano zeolite-cross-linked PVA composite films are then evaluated for their properties such as proton conductivity as electrolyte membranes for the water-absorbing porous electrolyte water electrolysis cell. It is confirmed that conventional materials such as zeolites and PVA can be used for the water electrolysis as an electrolyte.

Optimization of the Electrochemical Performance of a Composite Polymer Electrolyte Based on PVA-K2CO3-SiO2 Composite

“…Moreover, SiO 2 enhanced the amorphous region of the polymer, which results in weakening the temporary coordinative bonds between the molecules in the crystalline phase and transforming the polymer into flexible complexes [ 39 ]. Likewise, filler encourages the conduction process through provision of new conducting sites.…”

“…These changes and shifting in the peak intensities are reported to be important in order to establish the complex formation between the host polymer (PVA), salt (K 2 CO 3 ), and the filler (SiO 2 ). For instance, the shifting of hydroxyl band of the composite polymer electrolyte (PKS) from 3258 to 3271 cm −1 when blended with SiO 2 and the formation of new spectrum at 917 cm −1 , and 1333 cm −1 corresponding to symmetric and asymmetric Si-O-Si expanse, respectively, indicate the polymer-salt-silica complexation [39,40]. It was also observed from the spectra of the PKS15 that the peak of CH wagging at 843 cm −1 moved to higher wavenumbers (845 cm −1 ) than the other electrolytes, which designates shortened bond lengths of gel-like structures in the electrolytes [35,41].…”

“…Excessive ions in the polymer matrix were reported to cause the formation of aggregates and ion pairs. These aggregates might cause the blocking of the ions tunnels (ways) and deter the migration of ions in the systems, Moreover, SiO 2 enhanced the amorphous region of the polymer, which results in weakening the temporary coordinative bonds between the molecules in the crystalline phase and transforming the polymer into flexible complexes [39]. Likewise, filler encourages the conduction process through provision of new conducting sites.…”

A Review of Current Trends on Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes

“…These interactions can induce changes in the vibrational modes of the polymer electrolyte. Consequently, the changes in the peak intensities and shifting are important in order to establish the complex formation between the host polymer and K 2 CO 3 [ 146 ]. The increased intensities of the peak and shifting in the spectra of the electrolytes confirmed successful formation of PVA-K 2 CO 3 composites [ 66 ].…”

Fabrication of novel mixed matrix polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) intended for renewable hydrogen production via electrolysis application

“…Zeolites are moderate proton conductors with ion exchange capability, while silica, although not a good conductor, exhibits good hydrophilic properties. [42][43][44][45] In a study by Nur et al, 42 sulfonated polystyrene ZSM-5 exhibited a higher proton conductivity than phenyl sulfonic acid-functionalized zeolite. Pure mesoporous silica is scarce in the energy field, prompting its modification into composites with improved properties.…”