Nafion/ Sulfonated Silica Composite Membranes for PEM Fuel Cells

摘要

Nafion/sulfonated silica (NSS) composite membranes were prepared from 2-(4-chlorosulfonylphenyl)trimethoxysilane in a one step process. Proton conductivity measurements were made at various temperature and relative humidity conditions. The NSS composite membranes exhibited higher proton conductivities than unmodified Nafion under all conditions, with highest conductivity and fuel cell performance being achieved with NSS membranes with lower sulfonated silica loadings. This was explained in terms of enhanced proton conductivity from the presence of SS and the large free pore within the pores of Nafion to accommodate the required water content.