Tailoring SPEEK/SPVdF-co-HFP/La₂Zr₂O₇ Ternary Composite Membrane for Cation Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

The sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membrane has substantial property only with unification of acid-polymer and nanoparticles. The high stability of acid-based sulfonated poly(vinylidene fluorideco-hexafluoropropylene) polymer is tailored with the SPEEK membrane to fine-tune the membrane stability, causing depletion in ionic conductivity. Various quantities of lanthanum zirconate (La 2 Zr 2 O 7 ) (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt %) nanoparticles were impregnated into the blend membrane to elevate the ionic conductivity with enriched stability. The effects of more hydrophilic domains facilitate the proton hopping mechanism. The distinct properties of the prepared membrane are examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), NMR, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile tests, water uptake, etc. The homogeneous appearances of the membrane morphology are exposed. The thermal and mechanical stability of the nanocomposite membranes is validated by a tensile test, and obtained results are better than those of the pure SPEEK membrane. The maximum proton conductivity of the SPEEK/SPVdF-co-HFP/La 2 Zr 2 O 7 (6 wt %) membrane is 1.53 × 10 −2 S cm −1 . The voltage−current measurement of the membrane is obtained in the single cell type at 80 °C under relative humidity (RH) 75% with the H 2 /O 2 gas flow. The maximum current density and power density obtained are 78 mA cm −2 and 335 mW cm −2 .

Synergistic Effect of Polydopamine-Modified CaZrO3 Perovskite and Hydroxylated SPEEK on Acid–Base Cation Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

“…This process adequately elevates the oxygen reduction reaction in the electrode sites assisting the facile transport of protons. 56 The functional groups (OH and NH 2 ) on SPEEK-DCZT3 interacting highly with the catalyst layer via hydrogen and acid−base interaction facilitate the interpenetrating networks and enhance the compatibility of the electrolyte membrane with the catalyst electrode layers. 23,40,44,46,49 These promote superior interfacial contact at the three phase sections of reactant gas (H 2 ), catalyst layer, and electrolyte membrane that enhances the connectivity of these regions.…”

“…The hydroxylation and incorporation of DCZT nanoparticles in the SPEEK-OH matrix help the positive effect on membrane stability. , The SPEEK-DCZT3 matrixes exhibit a strong interaction between DCZT and SPEEK-OH via hydrogen (HSO 3 –OH) and acid–base (HSO 3 –NH 2 ) interplay, constructing the barrier networks that restrict fuel crossovers and hinder free radical creation. This process adequately elevates the oxygen reduction reaction in the electrode sites assisting the facile transport of protons . The functional groups (OH and NH 2 ) on SPEEK-DCZT3 interacting highly with the catalyst layer via hydrogen and acid–base interaction facilitate the interpenetrating networks and enhance the compatibility of the electrolyte membrane with the catalyst electrode layers. ,,,, These promote superior interfacial contact at the three phase sections of reactant gas (H 2 ), catalyst layer, and electrolyte membrane that enhances the connectivity of these regions.…”

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of a Silica Bead-Embedded Porous Fluoropolymer Composite Matrix for Li-Ion Batteries

“…The fabricated coin cell at 0.2C showed 0.015% of capacity loss per cycle. It is mainly due to the strong polar C–F functional groups present in both polymer backbones, resulting in better electrochemical performance and stability of the polymer electrolyte. ,,, The performance comparison of the LiFePO 4 /Li cells assembled with different polymer electrolyte systems is given in Table .…”

Understanding the Electrochemical Performance of Spongy C–F Derivative Chains as an Effective Anion Trapping Composite Matrix for Li-Ion Batteries

“…Blending two polymers is one of the widely adopted remedies to overcome the difficulties. − Blending is a facile and low-cost technique to develop novel polymeric materials with a splendid performance. , Several polymer matrices with polar groups such as −O–, O, −N–, CO, CN, and C–F have been extensively investigated as separators and CPEs (composite polymer electrolytes) for LIB applications. ,− Among various candidates, C–F functional group derivatives have received an upsurge of consideration owing to their high dielectric constant, high stability at positive potentials, and insoluble nature in many organic solvents. Inspired by a recent assessment of the prior investigations, poly­(vinylidene fluoride cohexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) polymer skeletons have gained foremost concern owing to their semicrystalline nature, electron-withdrawing fluorine atoms, good mechanical stability, and better electrochemical performance. − Nevertheless, they have some serious obstacles, such as low ionic conductivity and safety issues that do not satisfy LIB applications’ necessities . Additionally, proper selection of a polymer derivative is essential while blending, as it not only improves the electrochemical characteristics but also conspicuously diminishes the shortcomings of the host matrix.…”