A highly proton conductive membrane based on hydrolyzed NbCl5 and phytic acid. (21st May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Ming-Yu; Wang, Yi-Di; Cheng, Dongming; Liu, Bai-Ling; Wang, Yong-Hui; Zang, Hong-Ying
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 45:Number 28(2020)
• Page Start: 14539
• Page End: 14546
• Publication Date: 2020-05-21
• Subjects: NbCl5 -- Sol-gel method -- Phytic acid -- Proton conductive membrane; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.03.153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: It is vital to choose economical and environmentally friendly proton conductive materials to improve the performance of proton exchange membranes, which occupies a unique position in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. This paper reports a new proton conductive nanocomposite, that was named NbO2 (OH)-PA prepared from phytic acid (PA) and NbCl5 . NbO2 (OH)-PA showed an excellent proton conductivity of 135 mS cm −1 at 85 °C and 97% relative humidity. In addition, NbO2 (OH)-PA was combined with sulfonated poly (ether ketone) (SPEEK) in different proportions to form proton conductive membranes, that are labeled SPEEK-x NbO2 (OH)-PA. SPEEK-0.9% NbO2 (OH)-PA exhibited the best proton conductivity of 0.17 S cm −1 at 80 °C in water. This work may provide new ideas for improving proton conductivity of membranes through simple methods. Graphical abstract: Economic and environmentally friendly phytic acid can be used in highly proton conductive materials and can be applied to proton exchange membranes. Image 1 Highlights: NbO2 (OH)-PA with highly proton conducivity was synthesis under mild conditions via sol-gel method. Green and environmentally friendly, cheap materials greatly reduce the cost of proton conductive materials. The doping of NbO2 (OH)-PA can effectively improve the proton conductivity of SPEEK membrane.