The synergistic combination of Nafion and sulfonated graphene oxide (GOsulf) in nanocomposite membranes emerged as a promising strategy for advancing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology. In the pursuit of elucidating the effect of GOsulf introduction on transport properties and electrochemical performance of Nafion, this work provides a systematic study combining swelling tests, water release tests, H-1 NMR characterization, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) investigation. The incorporation of organomodified GO nanolayers alters the distribution of water molecules within the hydrophilic domains of Nafion and produces a considerable increase in the "bound-water" fraction. This increases its water retention capability while ensuring very high diffusivity even under high temperatures, i.e., 1.5 x 10(-5) cm(2) s(-1) at 130 degrees C. These peculiar features enable Naf-GOsulf to successfully operate under a dehydrating environment, yielding a proton conductivity of 44.9 mS cm(-1) at 30% RH.
Enhancing Water Retention, Transport, and Conductivity Performance in Fuel Cell Applications: Nafion-Based Nanocomposite Membranes with Organomodified Graphene Oxide Nanoplatelets
Rehman M. H. U.;Coppola L.;Lufrano E.;Nicotera I.;Simari C.
2023-01-01
Abstract
The synergistic combination of Nafion and sulfonated graphene oxide (GOsulf) in nanocomposite membranes emerged as a promising strategy for advancing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology. In the pursuit of elucidating the effect of GOsulf introduction on transport properties and electrochemical performance of Nafion, this work provides a systematic study combining swelling tests, water release tests, H-1 NMR characterization, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) investigation. The incorporation of organomodified GO nanolayers alters the distribution of water molecules within the hydrophilic domains of Nafion and produces a considerable increase in the "bound-water" fraction. This increases its water retention capability while ensuring very high diffusivity even under high temperatures, i.e., 1.5 x 10(-5) cm(2) s(-1) at 130 degrees C. These peculiar features enable Naf-GOsulf to successfully operate under a dehydrating environment, yielding a proton conductivity of 44.9 mS cm(-1) at 30% RH.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
