Low-swelling proton-conducting multi-layer composite membranes containing polyarylene ether nitrile and sulfonated carbon nanotubes for fuel cells. (9th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feng, Mengna; You, Yong; Zheng, Penglun; Liu, Jingchun; Jia, Kun; Huang, Yumin; Liu, Xiaobo
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 41:Number 9(2016)
• Page Start: 5113
• Page End: 5122
• Publication Date: 2016-03-09
• Subjects: Sulfonated carbon nanotubes -- Multi-layer structure -- Sulfonated polyarylene ether nitrile -- Proton conductivity -- Low-swelling; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.01.085
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: To overcome the difficulties of excessively swollen or dissolve of sulfonated polyarylene ether nitrile in high temperature, the multi-layer proton exchange composite membranes based on sulfonated polyarylene ether nitrile (SPEN) and sulfonated carbon nanotubes (S-CNTs) were designed via facile step-by-step solution casting technique. The multi-layer structure of membranes can make the membrane more compact and reached the aim of low-swelling. The multi-layer structure of composite membrane was confirmed through scanning electron microscope, exhibiting improved dimensional stability, larger tensile strength and elongation at break than pure SPEN with a certain content of S-CNTs in the wet state. The proton conductivity of composite membranes with 3 wt% S-CNTs achieved 0.094 and 0.275 S/cm at 20 °C and 80 °C, respectively, which is higher than that of Nafion 117. Besides, the methanol permeability of SPEN/S-CNTs/SPEN composite membranes is lower than that of the commercial Nafion 117 membrane. All the data prove that the multi-layer composite membranes may be potential proton exchange membrane for fuel cells applications. Highlights: The multi-layer composite membrane was prepared via facile step-by-step solution casting technique. The intermolecular interactions between each layer can make the membrane more compact. The compact multi-layer structure leaded to lower dimensional swelling. The multi-layer composite membrane showed high proton conductivity.