Preparation of the PVA/TiO_2 Nanocomposite Polymer Membranes by a Sol-Gel Process for Alkaline DMFC

摘要

The cross-link PVA/TiO_2 nanocomposite polymer membrane was prepared using a sol-gel process. The characteristic properties of the cross-link PVA/TiO_2 nanocomposite polymer membranes were systematically studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and AC impedance spectroscopy. Alkaline DMFC, consisting of an air cathode with MnO_2/BP2000 (1:1) catalyst ink, an anode with 4 mg cm~(-2) PtRu black coated on Ti-mesh, respectively, and a cross-link PVA/TiO_2 nanocomposite polymer membrane made from titanium isopropylate (TTIP), was assembled and examined. It was revealed that the DMFC comprised of a cross-link PVA/TiO_2 nanocomposite polymer membrane showed good electrochemical performance at room temperature and ambient air. The maximum power density for alkaline DMFC in a 4M KOH + 2M CH_3OH solution is 11.47 mW cm~(-2) at ambient conditions.