Investigation the Effect of Nanoclay on Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Performance of Polyelecterolyte Membranes Based on Sulfonated Aromatic Polymers

Sulfonated poly(2,6-dimethyl -1,4-phenylene oxide) (SPPO), sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and sulfonated poly (ether sulfone) (SPES) were prepared at various sulfonation degrees. Properties of sulfonated ionomers are characterized. Optimum sulfonation degrees were approximated according to selectivity and stability of the membranes. Organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) were introduced into the sulfonated ionomers at 1 wt% of loading. The XRD patterns of nanocomposites proved the exfoliated structure of clay in all samples. Fabricated nanocomposites were compared corresponding to their proton conductivity, methanol permeability and membrane selectivity values at elevated temperatures. The DMFC single cell assembled by the SPEEK based nanocomposites showed highest power density of 158mW.cm2- in comparison with that of 135mW.cm-2 118mW.cm-2 and 108mW.cm-2 for SPES, SPPO and Nafion® 117 membranes in a 5M methanol feed. Nanocomposite membranes for their high selectivity and their excellent tunable transport properties have good potential to be used in direct methanol fuel cells.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sulfonated polymer ، Proton exchange nanocomposite membrane ، Fuel cell