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Preparation and properties of chitosan/organic‐modified attapulgite composite proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications
Author(s) -
Hu Fuqiang,
Zhong Fei,
Wen Sheng,
Zheng Genwen,
Gong Chunli,
Qin Caiqin,
Liu Hai
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.25536
Subject(s) - membrane , materials science , thermal stability , composite number , crystallinity , chitosan , chemical engineering , silane , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , composite material , dispersion (optics) , polymer chemistry , chemistry , biochemistry , engineering , physics , optics
The chitosan (CS) matrix‐based composite proton exchange membranes (CS/QATP) were prepared by the incorporation of organic‐modified attapulgite (QATP) into CS, through an organic‐inorganic composite synthesis method. The QATP was obtained by the modification with silane coupling agent (octadecyldimethyl [3‐trimethoxysilylpropyl] ammonium chloride). The morphology, crystallinity, thermal and mechanical property, dimensional stability, and proton conductivity of CS/QATP composite membranes were investigated. The compatibility and dispersibility of QATP in CS matrix were significantly improved with enhanced interfacial interaction. The dimensional and thermal stability of the CS/QATP composite membranes were improved compared with pure CS film, owing to good dispersion and lower water uptake. Especially, the composite membrane with 2 wt% QATP (CS/QATP‐2) exhibits the highest mechanical strength and proton conductivity, which is much higher than pure CS film. These results indicated that CS/QATP composite membranes have a great potential for proton exchange membranes applications.