Recent Progress on Nafion‐Based Nanocomposite Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have attracted tremendous attention because of their high efficiency compared to other types of fuel cells. Nafion is the most commonly used polymer for membranes used in PEMFCs. A large variety of nanoparticles of different natures and sizes can be blended with a Nafion matrix, generating a new class of nanostructured electrolyte membrane with interesting physical properties. In this paper, we discuss the recent progress in the field of Nafion‐based nanocomposite membranes. They exhibit a significant improvement in thermo‐mechanical and thermal stability as well as proton conductivity at very low filler contents. The preparation, characterization, and properties of various types of Nafion‐based nanocomposite membranes are critically reviewed, and detailed examples are summarized.magnified image

Improvement of PEMFC performance with Nafion/inorganic nanocomposite membrane electrode assembly prepared by ultrasonic coating technique

“…5 shows the XRD patterns of Nafion and Nafion nanocomposite membranes. The Nafion membrane shows two main peaks at 17.5 (2q) and 38.3 (2q), which were consistent with those reported in literature [30]. The broad peak at 17.5 (2q) was related to the crystalline scattering of the polyfluorocarbon chains in Nafion membranes, which overlapped the X-ray scattering from the amorphous region of the membrane at lower Bragg angles [31].…”

Understanding methods of preparation and characterization of pore-filling polymer composites for proton exchange membranes: a beginner’s guide

“…Water retention at low RH in Nafion and other sulfonated ionomers can be improved by incorporation of hygroscopic inorganic fillers (oxides of aluminum, silicon, titanium, zirconium, zirconium and cesium phosphates, zeolites, clays) (Li et al 2003, Cele and Ray 2009, Ahmad et al 2010, Peighambardoust et al 2010, Patil et al 2011, Thiam et al 2011, Tripathi and Shahi 2011, Kim et al 2015. These particles also improve thermal and mechanical stability of the parent polymer.…”

Recent advances on Zeolite modification for direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs)

“…22,23 Commonly used membrane in FC is Nafion due to its high conductivity, low selectivity of H2 due to high methanol permeability. 24 In the past, major researches focus in combining good characteristics of zeolite and Nafion, thus required membrane properties such as high proton conductivity, high H2 selectivity, good mechanical stability, and low alcohol crossover can still be fulfilled. [24][25][26] The mechanism of methanol and proton transport in polymer-zeolite composite membrane is showed in Fig.…”