Zirconium phosphate based proton conducting membrane for DMFC application

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2015-08, Vol.40 (30), p.9410-9421
• Main Authors: Pandey, Jay, Seepana, Murali Mohan, Shukla, Anupam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: DMFC; Ion-exchange membrane; Methanol crossover; PVDF; Zirconium phosphate
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.05.117

A proton conducting poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) supported zirconium phosphate (ZrP) ion-exchange membrane (ZrP/PVDF) was synthesized for potential application in DMFC by filling the pores of a PVDF film with in-situ grown ZrP particles. Presence of labile protons attached to PO group was confirmed from 1H NMR and FT-IR characterizations. SEM micrographs showed defect-free top surface. The thermal stability and mechanical strength of the ZrP/PVDF membrane was better than Nafion-117. Water to methanol uptake ratio was higher while methanol cross-over for ZRP/PVDF membrane was lower than Nafion-117. Membrane possessed fair electrochemical properties; 0.85 static counter-ion transport number, 0.76 meqg−1 ion exchange capacity and 1.25 mScm−1 proton conductivity at 30 °C. DMFC performance of the synthesized membrane at 35 °C was compared with the Nafion-117. DMFC studies were also done at different operating conditions and the maximum peak power density was 32.3 mWcm−2 at 60 °C, 1 M methanol concentration and 60% relative humidity. •ZrP/PVDF membrane was synthesized via in-situ method.•Membrane exhibited excellent thermal stability of up to 380 °C.•Membrane has lower methanol permeability compared to Nafion-117.•Maximum power density was 32.3 mWcm−2 at 60 °C.