Structure and Electrocatalytic Properties of Sulfur-Containing Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on a Titanium Substrate Modified by a Helium Ion Beam

In this work, a set of analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman scattering spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), were used to study the impact of high-energy He+ ion irradiation on the structural and electrochemical characteristics of sulfur-containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (S-MWCNTs) placed on a titanium substrate. The results indicate that the ion beam treatment of the S-MWCNT system led to an increase in the level of imperfections on the surface structures of the nanotubes due to the formation of point defects on their outer walls and the appearance of oxygen-containing functional groups, including SOx groups, near these defects. At the same time, a significant increase in the sulfur concentration (by 6.4 times) was observed on the surface of the S-MWCNTs compared to the surface of unirradiated nanotubes. This was due to the redeposition of sulfur atoms near the point defects under the action of the ion beam, followed by the subsequent formation of direct S-C chemical bonds. Electrochemical studies demonstrated that the irradiated S-MWCNTs/Ti system exhibit enhanced catalytic activity, with improved oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance and a substantial increase in anodic current during the oxidation reaction of hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions, highlighting their potential for advanced electrocatalytic applications.

Improved Proton Conductivity of Chitosan-Based Composite Proton Exchange Membrane Reinforced by Modified GO Inorganic Nanofillers

Non-fluorinated chitosan-based proton exchange membranes (PEMs) have been attracting considerable interest due to their environmental friendliness and relatively low cost. However, low proton conductivity and poor physicochemical properties have limited their application in fuel cells. In this work, a reinforced nanofiller (sulfonated CS/GO, S-CS/GO) is accomplished, for the first time, via a facile amidation and sulfonation reaction. Novel chitosan-based composite PEMs are successfully constructed by the incorporation of the nanofiller into the chitosan matrix. Additionally, the effects of the type and amount of the nanofillers on physicochemical and electrochemical properties are further investigated. It is demonstrated that the chitosan-based composite PEMs incorporating an appropriate amount of the nanofillers (9 wt.%) exhibit good membrane-forming ability, physicochemical properties, improved proton conductivity, and low methanol permeability even under a high temperature and low humidity environment. When the incorporated amounts of S-CS/GO are 9 wt.%, the proton conductivity of the composite PEMs was up to 0.032 S/cm but methanol permeability was decreased to 1.42 × 10-7 cm2/s. Compared to a pristine CS membrane, the tensile strength of the composite membrane is improved by 98% and the methanol permeability is reduced by 51%.

Recent Advanced Synthesis Strategies for the Nanomaterial-Modified Proton Exchange Membrane in Fuel Cells

Hydrogen energy is converted to electricity through fuel cells, aided by nanostructured materials. Fuel cell technology is a promising method for utilizing energy sources, ensuring sustainability, and protecting the environment. However, it still faces drawbacks such as high cost, operability, and durability issues. Nanomaterials can address these drawbacks by enhancing catalysts, electrodes, and fuel cell membranes, which play a crucial role in separating hydrogen into protons and electrons. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have gained significant attention in scientific research. The primary objectives are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the automotive industry, and develop cost-effective methods and materials to enhance PEMFC efficiency. We provide a typical yet inclusive review of various types of proton-conducting membranes. In this review article, special focus is given to the distinctive nature of nanomaterial-filled proton-conducting membranes and their essential characteristics, including their structural, dielectric, proton transport, and thermal properties. We provide an overview of the various reported nanomaterials, such as metal oxide, carbon, and polymeric nanomaterials. Additionally, the synthesis methods in situ polymerization, solution casting, electrospinning, and layer-by-layer assembly for proton-conducting membrane preparation were analyzed. In conclusion, the way to implement the desired energy conversion application, such as a fuel cell, using a nanostructured proton-conducting membrane has been demonstrated.

Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Sulfonated Titanium Oxide Incorporated Chitosan Nanocomposite Membranes for Fuel Cell Application

In this study, nano-TiO₂ sulfonated with 1,3-propane sultone (STiO₂) was incorporated into the chitosan (CS) matrix for the preparation of CS/STiO₂ nanocomposite membranes for fuel cell applications. The grafting of sulfonic acid (–SO₃H) groups was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The physicochemical properties of these prepared membranes, such as water uptake, swelling ratio, thermal and mechanical stability, ion exchange capacity and proton conductivity, were determined. The proton conducting groups on the surface of nano-TiO₂ can form continuous proton conducting pathways along the CS/STiO₂ interface and thus improve the proton conductivity of CS/STiO₂ nanocomposite membranes. The CS/STiO₂ nanocomposite membrane with 5 wt% of sulfonated TiO₂ showed a proton conductivity (0.035 S·cm⁻¹) equal to that of commercial Nafion 117 membrane (0.033 S·cm⁻¹). The thermal and mechanical stability of the nanocomposite membranes were improved because the interfacial interaction between the -SO₃H group of TiO₂ and the –NH₂ group of CS can restrict the mobility of CS chains to enhance the thermal and mechanical stability of the nanocomposite membranes. These CS/STiO₂ nanocomposite membranes have promising applications in proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Composite Polymers Development and Application for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Technologies-A Review

Nafion membranes are still the dominating material used in the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) technologies. They are widely used in several applications thanks to their excellent properties: high proton conductivity and high chemical stability in both oxidation and reduction environment. However, they have several technical challenges: reactants permeability, which results in reduced performance, dependence on water content to perform preventing the operation at higher temperatures or low humidity levels, and chemical degradation. This paper reviews novel composite membranes that have been developed for PEM applications, including direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), hydrogen PEM fuel cells (PEMFCs), and water electrolysers (PEMWEs), aiming at overcoming the drawbacks of the commercial Nafion membranes. It provides a broad overview of the Nafion-based membranes, with organic and inorganic fillers, and non-fluorinated membranes available in the literature for which various main properties (proton conductivity, crossover, maximum power density, and thermal stability) are reported. The studies on composite membranes demonstrate that they are suitable for PEM applications and can potentially compete with Nafion membranes in terms of performance and lifetime.

Review of Chitosan-Based Polymers as Proton Exchange Membranes and Roles of Chitosan-Supported Ionic Liquids

Perfluorosulphonic acid-based membranes such as Nafion are widely used in fuel cell applications. However, these membranes have several drawbacks, including high expense, non-eco-friendliness, and low proton conductivity under anhydrous conditions. Biopolymer-based membranes, such as chitosan (CS), cellulose, and carrageenan, are popular. They have been introduced and are being studied as alternative materials for enhancing fuel cell performance, because they are environmentally friendly and economical. Modifications that will enhance the proton conductivity of biopolymer-based membranes have been performed. Ionic liquids, which are good electrolytes, are studied for their potential to improve the ionic conductivity and thermal stability of fuel cell applications. This review summarizes the development and evolution of CS biopolymer-based membranes and ionic liquids in fuel cell applications over the past decade. It also focuses on the improved performances of fuel cell applications using biopolymer-based membranes and ionic liquids as promising clean energy.

The performances of modified single-walled carbon nanotubes/poly(ether ether ketone) composites prepared by solution blending and melt blending

The modified single-walled carbon nanotubes (m-SWCNTs)/poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) composites were prepared by solution blending and melt blending, respectively. The mechanical, dielectric, and frictional performances of the m-SWCNTs/PEEK composites obtained by different processing technic were investigated. The poly(aryl ether ketone)s with pyrene (PAEK-Pys) were synthesized through iridium-catalyzed C−H borylation followed by Suzuki coupling. PAEK-Pys were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. The polymers were then used for surface modification of pristine SWCNTs. Finally, the m-SWCNTs were used to prepare m-SWCNTs/PEEK composites via co-blending in solution or melt. The mechanical, frictional, and dielectric performance of the m-SWCNTs/PEEK composite by solution blending were better than these in m-SWCNTs/PEEK composite by melt blending. These results suggest that the method of solution blending is more favorable for the dispersion of the SWCNTs in PEEK.