Superacidic Electrospun Fiber‐Nafion Hybrid Proton Exchange Membranes

Abstract

A novel type of hybrid membrane has been fabricated by incorporating superacidic sulfated zirconia (S‐ZrO2) fibers into recast Nafion for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). With the introduction of electrospun superacidic fiber mats, a large amount of protogenic groups aggregated in the interfacial region between S‐ZrO2 fibers and the ionomer matrix, forming continuous pathways for facile proton transport. The resultant hybrid membranes had high proton conductivities, which were controlled by selectively adjusting the fiber diameter and fiber volume fraction. Consequently, the superacidic S‐ZrO2 electrospun fibers are promising filler materials and hybrid membranes containing S‐ZrO2 fiber mats can be potentially used in high‐performance fuel cells.

Electrospun nanofiber enhanced sulfonated poly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) composite proton exchange membranes

“…4(b)), the electrospun membrane shows slightly larger ionic clusters (black dots stained by silver nitrate solution) on the interfaces between the SPPESK nanofibers and the SPPESK matrix. It is also evidenced by Yao et al that they observed larger amount of ionic clusters at the interface between hydrophilic sulfated zirconia electrospun fibers and Nafion interfiber voids filler through TEM images [22]. It suggests that large specific surface area of the hydrophilic nanofibers and good interfacial compatibility promote the aggregations of the sulfonic acid groups in the SPPESK interfiber voids filler along the surface of the SPPESK nanofibers.…”

“…It is reported that the proton conductivity can be enhanced for more than 10 folds by means of the single electrospun polyelectrolytic nanofiber, as compared with its bulk membrane [17,18]. Therefore, Nafion, non-fluorinated polyelectrolytes and even inorganic proton conductors have been electrospun into nanofiber mats, and then the interfiber voids are filled with antiswelling polymers (either polyelectrolytic or uncharged) to prepare PEMs [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. While these electrospun membranes often show tradeoff between proton conductivity and mechanical stability [19,[22][23][24].…”

“…Therefore, Nafion, non-fluorinated polyelectrolytes and even inorganic proton conductors have been electrospun into nanofiber mats, and then the interfiber voids are filled with antiswelling polymers (either polyelectrolytic or uncharged) to prepare PEMs [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. While these electrospun membranes often show tradeoff between proton conductivity and mechanical stability [19,[22][23][24]. The reasons lie not only in the reduced fraction Contents lists available at ScienceDirect journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/memsci of the polyelectrolytic components, but also in the limited interfacial compatibility between the dissimilar electrospun fibers and interfiber voids filler matrix, like in the case of polymer blend systems.…”

Nanostructured Ion‐Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cells: Recent Advances and Perspectives

“…Particularly, a wide array of versatile nanomaterials synthesized via different methodologies can be harnessed to afford flexible control over nanoscale features. For example, the incorporation of nanofibers induced the formation of nanochannels that are more continuous at the interfaces; ii) multiple phases (polymer phase, nanofiller phase, and interfacial nanochannel phase), each designed to serve specific functions; and iii) synergistic effects that can emerge when the interfacial microenvironment is suitably manipulated.…”

Fouling resistant nanocomposite cation exchange membrane with enhanced power generation for reverse electrodialysis

“…As one-dimensional nanomaterials, CNTs have a great advantage over the application of nanocomposite IEMs, compared to zero-dimensional nanomaterials (titanium oxide, iron oxide, silica oxide nanoparticles, etc.). It has been reported that ion pathways exist at the interface of nanomaterials and polymer; hence, long-distance ionic pathways could be formed when elongated nanomaterials (nanotubes or nanofibers) are used [44]. Long-distance ionic pathways largely improve membrane inner structure and facilitate ion transport.…”