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Chitosan‐polyvinyl alcohol‐sulfonated polyethersulfone mixed‐matrix membranes as methanol‐barrier electrolytes for DMFCs
Author(s) -
Meenakshi S.,
Bhat S. D.,
Sahu A. K.,
Sridhar P.,
Pitchumani S.,
Shukla A. K.
Publication year - 2011
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.35522
Subject(s) - membrane , polyvinyl alcohol , methanol , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , materials science , electrolyte , direct methanol fuel cell , nafion , methanol fuel , chemistry , composite material , organic chemistry , electrochemistry , biochemistry , electrode , anode , engineering
Chitosan (CS)‐polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cross‐linked with sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) and modified with sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) mixed‐matrix membranes are reported for their application in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Polyethersulfone (PES) is sulfonated by chlorosulfonic acid and factors affecting the sulfonation reaction, such as time and temperature, are studied. The ion‐exchange capacity, degree of sulfonation, sorption, and proton conductivity for the mixed‐matrix membranes are investigated. The mixed‐matrix membranes are also characterised for their mechanical and thermal properties. The methanol‐crossover flux across the mixed‐matrix membranes is studied by measuring the mass balance of methanol using the density meter. The methanol cross‐over for these membranes is found to be about 33% lower in relation to Nafion‐117 membrane. The DMFC employing CS‐PVA‐SPES mixed‐matrix membrane with an optimum content of 25 wt % SPES delivers a peak power‐density of 5.5 mW cm −2 at a load current‐density of 25 mA cm −2 while operating at 70°C. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012