Dual Nafion/Polyaniline Nanofibers Architecture for Applications in Fuel Cells Electrodes

摘要

Nanostructured non-woven fiber mats of Nafion, polyaniline (PANI) and dual Nafion/polyaniline nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning technique. Nafion/PANI nanofibers composite was prepared by simultaneous electrospinning of Nafion and PANI solutions onto a single collector. Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) was added to enhance chain entanglements and therefore, the electrospinnability of both polymer solutions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to characterize the conductivity of the nanofiber mats. The proton and electron conductivities of the Nafion/PANI composite mats were decoupled using equivalent circuit. Dual nanofibers mat with Nafion/PANI weight composition of 61/39 showed a proton conductivity of 0.032 S/cm and electron conductivity of 0.041 S/cm. Such dual nanofiber mats with percolating phases of electron and proton conductors and three-dimensional through-connected inter-fiber pore structure can potentially serve as excellent catalyst supports for PEMFCs.