Imparting High Proton Conductivity to Nafion (R) Tuned by Acidic Chitosan for Low-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Applications

摘要

A successful polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell application must have efficient proton conductivity as well as good water retention capability. The viability of using composite membranes prepared by blending 85% deacetylated chitosan (CS) and Nafion (R) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) was investigated based on the concept of hydrophilicity and the water uptake characteristics of CS. These membranes were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy to investigate their intermolecular interactions and morphology, respectively. Absorption studies were carried out to evaluate the interactions of the membranes with water. Titrimetric ion exchange capacity analysis indicated the availability of active sites in the membrane. The CS/Nafion (R) blend was found to be suitable for PEMFC applications because of its relatively high proton conductivity compared to that of regular Nafion (R). Above all, the cost-effectiveness and simple fabrication of such composite membranes make their use in low-temperature PEMFCs very attractive and economical.