Nafion Membranes Reinforced with Ceria-Coated Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes for Improved Mechanical and Chemical Durability in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

详细信息    查看全文

• 作者：Andrew M. Baker ; Liang Wang ; William B. Johnson ; Ajay K. Prasad ; Suresh G. Advani
• 刊名：Journal of Physical Chemistry C
• 出版年：2014
• 出版时间：November 20, 2014
• 年：2014
• 卷：118
• 期：46
• 页码：26796-26802
• 全文大小：395K
• ISSN：1932-7455

文摘

A composite membrane consisting of a Nafion proton exchange ionomer and ceria-coated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared by a solution-casting method. Reinforcement due to the presence of MWCNTs provides increased mechanical strength to the membrane, and the addition of ceria improves the membrane鈥檚 chemical durability by scavenging free radicals. The ceria coating also insulates the MWCNTs, which helps to preserve the membrane鈥檚 low electrical conductivity in the through-thickness direction. The morphology and loading of the CeO₂/MWCNT precursor were verified using transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical and chemical durability of the synthesized composite [CeO₂/MWCNT]/Nafion membranes was compared with that of pure Nafion membranes. Composite membranes demonstrated improved tensile strength and dimensional stability during hydration, without significantly affecting electronic or ionic conductivity, and maintain equivalent polarization performance in a fuel cell system. They also showed increased durability in an open-circuit-voltage-hold fuel cell test. Such material property enhancements can extend the membrane lifetime, which increasing the economic viability of fuel cell technology.