Recent biopolymers used for membrane fuel cells: Characterization analysis perspectives

Abstract

The emergence of biopolymers as polymer electrolyte membrane for non-Nafion used fuel cell application in recent years was an impactful finding. This review gives a different approach to researchers, by exposing the characterization analysis perspectives of developed materials from biomass sourcesalginates, carrageenan, cellulose, chitosan and polyhydroxyalkanoates. Their membrane performances are proven in this work through chemistry understandings, hence assuring a clear picture to gain information of these biopolymers' behavior as PEM. These five bio-precursor materials are believed to perform as high potential PEM alternatives, thus this study appeared to be an insightful guidance to the industry replacing high cost Nafion membrane to a lower cost membrane sources for future massive production economically benign. HIGHLIGHTS• Biopolymers are one of the promising natural sources to be utilized as the essential PEM in fuel cell • These biopolymers to be highlighted in this review are alginates, chitosan, carrageenan, cellulose and starch • Electronic biopolymers like carbon composites, hydrogels, nucleic acid, polyester, polysaccharide and protein imposed great features with their abundant functional groups, strong electrical conductivity, excellent ion conduction, versatility and stability

Interfacial interaction of graphene oxide with montmorillonite in tailoring the structure and proton transport phenomena of alginate/PVA membrane for DMFC applications

“…However, excessive pores are undesirable as they create pathways for water absorption, leading to excessive swelling of the membrane. 19 When MMT is included, the surface image of the SPMG10:0 membrane appears rougher compared to SPMG0, as shown in (a) and (e). The addition of GO to this hybrid membrane is evident in the surface image, which displays a sheet-like structure in the SPMG10:1 membrane, as depicted in Figure 3b and more prominently in (f).…”

“…Based on Figure 2a, the surface image of pure SA reveals the presence of pores, as further confirmed by the cross‐sectional image in Figure 2e. However, excessive pores are undesirable as they create pathways for water absorption, leading to excessive swelling of the membrane 19 . When MMT is included, the surface image of the SPMG10:0 membrane appears rougher compared to SPMG0, as shown in (a) and (e).…”

“…17,18 Since using montmorillonite as a single filler in non-Nafion-based membranes may pose challenges in terms of long-term durability and cost-effectiveness, the combined advantages of GO and MMT can compensate for their respective limitations and breathe new life into the field of bio-based membranes. 19 This study innovatively combines MMT and GO, two inorganic fillers with distinct properties, with the biopolymer matrix structure of SA and PVA to create a new PEM, opening new possibilities for bio-based membranes.…”

“…Montmorillonite, obtained from bentonite clay, is an economically viable alternative to silica and is widely used in PEM fuel cell research, including direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) 17,18 . Since using montmorillonite as a single filler in non‐Nafion‐based membranes may pose challenges in terms of long‐term durability and cost‐effectiveness, the combined advantages of GO and MMT can compensate for their respective limitations and breathe new life into the field of bio‐based membranes 19 …”

Recent Advances in the Development of Sustainable Composite Materials used as Membranes in Microbial Fuel Cells

“…Constituents derived from biomass, like cellulose, chitin, alginate, and biochar, are gaining popularity. [15] Among these, biochar-based composites exhibit lower oxygen diffusion coefficients. [16] Although some other studies report lower power production in biochar-based membranes than Nafion, these membranes are much cheaper and completely biodegradable.…”