Influence of synthesis conditions on the performance of chitosan–Heteropolyacid complexes as membranes for low temperature H2–O2 fuel cell. (9th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pecoraro, C.M.; Santamaria, M.; Bocchetta, P.; Di Quarto, F.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 40:Number 42(2015)
• Page Start: 14616
• Page End: 14626
• Publication Date: 2015-11-09
• Subjects: Chitosan -- Heteropolyacid -- Composite membrane -- Protonconducting -- H2–O2 PEMCF; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.06.083
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Flat, free-standing chitosan/phosphotungstic acid (PTA) polyelectrolyte membranes were prepared by in-situ ionotropic gelation process at room temperature on porous alumina support firstly impregnated by H3 PW12 O40 . Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of compact and homogeneous membranes, whose thickness resulted to be dependent on chitosan concentration and reticulation time. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) evidenced the formation of almost amorphous membrane without appreciable concentration of not protonated NH2 groups and PTA 3− ions with preserved Keggin structure. Membranes were tested as proton conductor in low temperature H2 –O2 fuel cell allowing to get peak power densities up to 300 mW cm −2 . Electrochemical impedance measurements allowed to estimate polyelectrolytes' conductivity up to 28 mS cm −1 at room temperature. Highlights: Free standing chitosan/H3 PW12 O40 membranes were prepared by ionotropic gelation. The membranes were characterized by SEM, XRD and FTIR. Membranes worked successfully as proton conductor in PEMFC at 25 °C. A maximum power density of 410 mW cm −2 was obtained at 25 °C. EIS allowed to estimate proton conductivity up to 28 mS cm −1 .