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Methanol permeability and proton conductivity of direct methanol fuel cell membranes based on sulfonated poly(vinyl alcohol)–layered silicate nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Duangkaew P.,
Wootthikanokkhan J.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.28072
Subject(s) - membrane , vinyl alcohol , materials science , nanocomposite , exfoliation joint , chemical engineering , polymer , montmorillonite , polymer chemistry , direct methanol fuel cell , differential scanning calorimetry , polyvinyl alcohol , silicate , methanol , conductivity , composite material , chemistry , graphene , organic chemistry , nanotechnology , biochemistry , physics , electrode , anode , engineering , thermodynamics
Layered silicate nanocomposite membranes to be used as electrolyte polymeric membranes in a direct methanol fuel cell were prepared through the mixing of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with various amounts (2, 4, and 5% w/w) of sodium montmorillonite layered silicate nanoclay. The proton conductivity of the polymer was induced by the reaction of the polymer with sulfosuccinic acid. After that, a solution of the sulfonated PVA–layered silicate nanocomposite was cast into membranes. The proton conductivity and methanol permeability of the membranes were determined with a four‐point probe technique and a gas chromatography technique, respectively. In addition, structures of the nanocomposite membranes were characterized with X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared techniques. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite membranes were also determined with a universal testing machine. From the results, it was found that the water uptake, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability of the membranes initially decreased after a 2% (w/w) concentration of the layered silicate was added. Above this nanoclay loading, the water uptake of the membranes increased again. The results were examined in the light of the interaction between the clay and sulfonated polymer, and the steric effect provided the exfoliation of the nanoclay. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008