Application of a Novel PVA-based Proton Exchange Membrane Modified by Reactive Black KN-B for Low-temperature Fuel Cells

摘要

A novel proton-conducting membrane using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as matrix and Reactive BlackKN-B as conductive component was fabricated through a solution casting method combined with acolour-fixing process. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectronspectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showedthat KN-B dye was successfully grafted onto the PVA macromolecules and that the internal structure ofthe membrane became denser and rougher due to cross-linking of the colour-fixing agent DE. The H +conductivities of the synthesized membranes were evaluated using alternating current (AC) impedancemeasurements. The results indicated that the H + conductivity of PVA/KN-B membranes could reach0.124 S cm -1 at 20 ℃. Thermal analysis and the investigation of mechanical properties, water uptake andswelling behaviour also showed that the membranes possessed excellent physical stability. Whenimmersed in a solution of 30 wt.% hydrogen peroxide, PVA/KN-B/DE membranes showed excellentoxidative stability and their weights remained at approximately 72.8 wt.% of the original sample weightwithin 168 h at room temperature.