Nafion®/histidine functionalized carbon nanotube: High-performance fuel cell membranes

Here we show preparation and characterization of a new type of composite membrane based on Nafion®/histidine modified carbon nanotube by imidazole groups (Im-CNT), for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. Due to the presence of this imidazole-based amino acid on the surface of CNT, new ele...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of hydrogen energy 2013-05, Vol.38 (14), p.5894-5902
Main Authors: Asgari, Mahsa S., Nikazar, Manouchehr, Molla-abbasi, Payam, Hasani-Sadrabadi, Mohammad Mahdi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alternative fuels. Production and utilization
Applied sciences
Direct methanol fuel cell
Energy
Exact sciences and technology
Fuel cell efficiency
Fuels
Hydrogen
Imidazole functionalized carbon nanotube
Nanocomposite proton exchange membranes
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Summary:Here we show preparation and characterization of a new type of composite membrane based on Nafion®/histidine modified carbon nanotube by imidazole groups (Im-CNT), for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. Due to the presence of this imidazole-based amino acid on the surface of CNT, new electrostatic interactions can be formed in the interface of Nafion® and Im-CNT. Physical characteristics of these nanocomposite membranes are investigated by water uptake, methanol permeability, ion exchange capacity, proton conductivity, as well as fuel cell performance results. Especially at elevated temperatures, Nafion®/CNT-0.5% membranes exhibit higher proton conductivities plus lower methanol crossover in comparison with commercial Nafion® membranes. Power density of nanocomposite membranes reached to 61 mW cm−2 in contrast with 42 mW cm−2 for Nafion®117 (at 0.5 V and 5 M methanol concentration). Obtained results exposed that Nafion®/Im-CNT-0.5% membranes can be utilized as promising polyelectrolyte membranes for direct methanol fuel cell applications. •Fabrication of new composite membrane for direct methanol fuel cell application.•Higher proton conductivity compared to Nafion especially at elevated temperatures.•Enhancement of the proton transport by Grotthuss-type mechanism.•Lower methanol permeability of this new membrane compared to Nafion membranes.•Higher open circuit voltage and maximum power density compared to Nafion.
ISSN:0360-3199
1879-3487
DOI:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.03.010