Characterisation of a re-cast composite Nafion ® 1100 series of proton exchange membranes incorporating inert inorganic oxide particles

• Published in: Electrochimica acta 2010-09, Vol.55 (22), p.6818-6829
• Main Authors: Slade, S.M., Smith, J.R., Campbell, S.A., Ralph, T.R., Ponce de León, C., Walsh, F.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Atomic force microscopy; Composites; Conductivity; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Ion-exchange membranes; PEM fuel cell
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2010.05.085

A series of cation exchange membranes was produced by impregnating and coating both sides of a quartz web with a Nafion ® solution (1100 EW, 10%wt in water). Inert filler particles (SiO 2, ZrO 2 or TiO 2; 5–20%wt) were incorporated into the aqueous Nafion ® solution to produce robust, composite membranes. Ion-exchange capacity/equivalent weight, water take-up, thickness change on hydration and ionic and electrical conductivity were measured in 1 mol dm −3 sulfuric acid at 298 K. The TiO 2 filler significantly impacted on these properties, producing higher water take-up and increased conductivity. Such membranes may be beneficial for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell operation at low humidification. The PEM fuel cell performance of the composite membranes containing SiO 2 fillers was examined in a Ballard Mark 5E unit cell. While the use of composite membranes offers a cost reduction, the unit cell performance was reduced, in practice, due to drying of the ionomer at the cathode.