1
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Rehman MHU, Lufrano E, Simari C. Nanocomposite Membranes for PEM-FCs: Effect of LDH Introduction on the Physic-Chemical Performance of Various Polymer Matrices. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:502. [PMID: 36771803 PMCID: PMC9921102 DOI: 10.3390/polym15030502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a comparative study to clarify the effect of the introduction of layered double hydroxide (LDH) into various polymer matrices. One perfluorosulfonic acid polymer, i.e., Nafion, and two polyaromatic polymers such as sulfonated polyether ether ketone (sPEEK) and sulfonated polysulfone (sPSU), were used for the preparation of nanocomposite membranes at 3 wt.% of LDH loading. Thereafter, the PEMs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) for their microstructural and thermomechanical features, whereas water dynamics and proton conductivity were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG and T1) and EIS spectroscopies, respectively. Depending on the hosting matrix, the LDHs can simply provide additional hydrophilic sites or act as physical crosslinkers. In the latter case, an impressive enhancement of both dimensional stability and electrochemical performance was observed. While pristine sPSU exhibited the lowest proton conductivity, the sPSU/LDH nanocomposite was able to compete with Nafion, yielding a conductivity of 122 mS cm-1 at 120 °C and 90% RH with an activation energy of only 8.7 kJ mol-1. The outcome must be ascribed to the mutual and beneficial interaction of the LDH nanoplatelets with the functional groups of sPSU, therefore the choice of the appropriate filler is pivotal for the preparation of highly-performing composites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernestino Lufrano
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Cataldo Simari
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
- National Reference Centre for Electrochemical Energy Storage (GISEL)—INSTM, Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
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Nicotera I, Policicchio A, Conte G, Agostino RG, Lufrano E, Simari C. Quaternary ammonium-functionalized polysulfone sorbent: Toward a selective and reversible trap-release of CO2. J CO2 UTIL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2022.102259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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3
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Xie T, Pang Y, Fan H, Zhu S, Zhao C, Guan S, Yao H. Controlling the microphase morphology and performance of cross-linked highly sulfonated polyimide membranes by varying the molecular structure and volume of the hydrophobic cross-linkable diamine monomers. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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4
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Ren L, Chen QB, Wang J, Zhao J, Wang Y, Li PF, Dong L. Enhanced ethylene glycol (EG)-blocking property of cation exchange membrane by layered double hydroxides modification for electrodialysis-based reclamation of EG waste fluid. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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5
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Quaternized polyepichlorohydrin-based membrane as high-selective CO2 sorbent for cost-effective carbon capture. J CO2 UTIL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2022.102135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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6
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Duan Y, Ru C, Pang Y, Li J, Liu B, Zhao C. Crosslinked PAEK-based nanofiber reinforced Nafion membrane with ion-paired interfaces towards high-concentration DMFC. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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7
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Zhong F, Zeng Z, Liu Y, Hou R, Nie X, Jia Y, Xi J, Liu H, Niu W, Zhang F. Modification of sulfonated poly (etherether ketone) composite polymer electrolyte membranes with 2D molybdenum disulfide nanosheet-coated carbon nanotubes for direct methanol fuel cell application. POLYMER 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.124839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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8
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Elucidating the Water and Methanol Dynamics in Sulfonated Polyether Ether Ketone Nanocomposite Membranes Bearing Layered Double Hydroxides. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12040419. [PMID: 35448389 PMCID: PMC9028358 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12040419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Conventional Nafion membranes demonstrate a strong affinity for methanol, resulting in a high fuel crossover, poor mechanical stability, and thus poor performance in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). This study involves the synthesis and physiochemical characterization of an alternative polymer electrolyte membrane for DMFCs based on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) and a layered double hydroxide (LDH) material. Nanocomposite membranes (sPL), with filler loading ranging between 1 wt% and 5 wt%, were prepared by simple solution intercalation and characterized by XRD, DMA, swelling tests, and EIS. For the first time, water and methanol mobility inside the hydrophilic channels of sPEEK-LDH membranes were characterized by NMR techniques. The introduction of LDH nanoplatelets improved the dimensional stability while having a detrimental effect on methanol mobility, with its self-diffusion coefficient almost two orders of magnitude lower than that of water. It is worth noting that anionic lamellae are directly involved in the proton transport mechanism, thus enabling the formation of highly interconnected paths for proton conduction. In this regard, sPL3 yielded a proton conductivity of 110 mS cm−1 at 120 °C and 90% RH, almost attaining the performance of the Nafion benchmark. The nanocomposite membrane also showed an excellent oxidative stability (over more than 24 h) during Fenton’s test at 80 °C. These preliminary results demonstrate that an sPL3 nanocomposite can be potentially and successfully applied in DMFCs.
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Wang Z, Ren J, Sun Y, Wang L, Fan Y, Zheng J, Qian H, Li S, Xu J, Zhang S. Fluorinated strategy of node structure of Zr-based MOF for construction of high-performance composite polymer electrolyte membranes. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.120193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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10
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Sulfonated Polyether Ether Ketone and Organosilica Layered Nanofiller for Sustainable Proton Exchange Membranes Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12030963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The ease and low environmental impact of its preparation, the reduced fuel crossover, and the low cost, make sulfonated polyether ether ketone (sPEEK) a potential candidate to replace the Nafion ionomer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this study, sPEEK was used as a polymer matrix for the preparation of nanocomposite electrolyte membranes by dispersing an organo-silica layered material properly functionalized by anchoring high phosphonated (PO3H) ionic groups (nominated PSLM). sPEEK-PSLM membranes were prepared by the solution intercalation method and the proton transport properties were investigated by NMR (diffusometry-PFG and relaxometry-T1) and EIS spectroscopies, whereas the mechanical properties of the membranes were studied by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The presence of the organosilica nanoplatelets remarkably improved the mechanical strength, the water retention capacity at high temperatures, and the proton transport, in particular under harsh operative conditions (above 100 °C and 20–30% RH), usually required in PEMFCs applications.
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11
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Hexagonal Mesoporous Silica for carbon capture: Unrevealing CO2 microscopic dynamics by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. J CO2 UTIL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2021.101809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Simari C, Lufrano E, Rehman MHU, Zhegur-Khais A, Haj-Bsoul S, Dekel DR, Nicotera I. Effect of LDH platelets on the transport properties and carbonation of anion exchange membranes. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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13
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Lysova AA, Ponomarev II, Yaroslavtsev AB. Effect of Functional Phosphonic Groups Grafted on the Silica Surface on the Properties of Hybrid Membranes Based on Polybenzimidazole PBI-O-PhT. MEMBRANES AND MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s2517751621040041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Simari C, Nicotera I, Aricò AS, Baglio V, Lufrano F. New Insights into Properties of Methanol Transport in Sulfonated Polysulfone Composite Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13091386. [PMID: 33923207 PMCID: PMC8123112 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Methanol crossover through a polymer electrolyte membrane has numerous negative effects on direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) because it decreases the cell voltage due to a mixed potential (occurrence of both oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation reactions) at the cathode, lowers the overall fuel utilization and contributes to long-term membrane degradation. In this work, an investigation of methanol transport properties of composite membranes based on sulfonated polysulfone (sPSf) and modified silica filler is carried out using the PFG-NMR technique, mainly focusing on high methanol concentration (i.e., 5 M). The influence of methanol crossover on the performance of DMFCs equipped with low-cost sPSf-based membranes operating with 5 M methanol solution at the anode is studied, with particular emphasis on the composite membrane approach. Using a surface-modified-silica filler into composite membranes based on sPSf allows reducing methanol cross-over of 50% compared with the pristine membrane, making it a good candidate to be used as polymer electrolyte for high energy DMFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cataldo Simari
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (F.L.)
| | - Isabella Nicotera
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy;
| | - Antonino Salvatore Aricò
- CNR-ITAE, Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l’Energia “Nicola Giordano”, Via Salita S. Lucia sopra Contesse n., 5-98126 S. Lucia-Messina, Italy; (A.S.A.); (V.B.)
| | - Vincenzo Baglio
- CNR-ITAE, Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l’Energia “Nicola Giordano”, Via Salita S. Lucia sopra Contesse n., 5-98126 S. Lucia-Messina, Italy; (A.S.A.); (V.B.)
| | - Francesco Lufrano
- CNR-ITAE, Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l’Energia “Nicola Giordano”, Via Salita S. Lucia sopra Contesse n., 5-98126 S. Lucia-Messina, Italy; (A.S.A.); (V.B.)
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (F.L.)
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15
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Simari C, Prejanò M, Lufrano E, Sicilia E, Nicotera I. Exploring the Structure-Performance Relationship of Sulfonated Polysulfone Proton Exchange Membrane by a Combined Computational and Experimental Approach. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:959. [PMID: 33804763 PMCID: PMC8003876 DOI: 10.3390/polym13060959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sulfonated Polysulfone (sPSU) is emerging as a concrete alternative to Nafion ionomer for the development of proton exchange electrolytic membranes for low cost, environmentally friendly and high-performance PEM fuel cells. This ionomer has recently gained great consideration since it can effectively combine large availability on the market, excellent film-forming ability and remarkable thermo-mechanical resistance with interesting proton conductive properties. Despite the great potential, however, the morphological architecture of hydrated sPSU is still unknown. In this study, computational and experimental advanced tools are combined to preliminary describe the relationship between the microstructure of highly sulfonated sPSU (DS = 80%) and its physico-chemical, mechanical and electrochemical features. Computer simulations allowed for describing the architecture and to estimate the structural parameters of the sPSU membrane. Molecular dynamics revealed an interconnected lamellar-like structure for hydrated sPSU, with ionic clusters of about 14-18 Å in diameter corresponding to the hydrophilic sulfonic-acid-containing phase. Water dynamics were investigated by 1H Pulsed Field Gradient (PFG) NMR spectroscopy in a wide temperature range (20-120 °C) and the self-diffusion coefficients data were analyzed by a "two-sites" model. It allows to estimate the hydration number in excellent agreement with the theoretical simulation (e.g., about 8 mol H2O/mol SO3- @ 80 °C). The PEM performance was assessed in terms of dimensional, thermo-mechanical and electrochemical properties by swelling tests, DMA and EIS, respectively. The peculiar microstructure of sPSU provides a wider thermo-mechanical stability in comparison to Nafion, but lower dimensional and conductive features. Nonetheless, the single H2/O2 fuel cell assembled with sPSU exhibited better features than any earlier published hydrocarbon ionomers, thus opening interesting perspectives toward the design and preparation of high-performing sPSU-based PEMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cataldo Simari
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies—CTC, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy; (E.L.); (E.S.); (I.N.)
| | - Mario Prejanò
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies—CTC, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy; (E.L.); (E.S.); (I.N.)
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16
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Stenina IA, Yaroslavtsev AB. Ionic Mobility in Ion-Exchange Membranes. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:198. [PMID: 33799886 PMCID: PMC7998860 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11030198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Membrane technologies are widely demanded in a number of modern industries. Ion-exchange membranes are one of the most widespread and demanded types of membranes. Their main task is the selective transfer of certain ions and prevention of transfer of other ions or molecules, and the most important characteristics are ionic conductivity and selectivity of transfer processes. Both parameters are determined by ionic and molecular mobility in membranes. To study this mobility, the main techniques used are nuclear magnetic resonance and impedance spectroscopy. In this comprehensive review, mechanisms of transfer processes in various ion-exchange membranes, including homogeneous, heterogeneous, and hybrid ones, are discussed. Correlations of structures of ion-exchange membranes and their hydration with ion transport mechanisms are also reviewed. The features of proton transfer, which plays a decisive role in the membrane used in fuel cells and electrolyzers, are highlighted. These devices largely determine development of hydrogen energy in the modern world. The features of ion transfer in heterogeneous and hybrid membranes with inorganic nanoparticles are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrey B. Yaroslavtsev
- Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky pr. 31, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
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Mazzapioda L, Lo Vecchio C, Danyliv O, Baglio V, Martinelli A, Navarra MA. Composite Nafion-CaTiO 3-δ Membranes as Electrolyte Component for PEM Fuel Cells. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12092019. [PMID: 32899679 PMCID: PMC7564730 DOI: 10.3390/polym12092019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Manufacturing new electrolytes with high ionic conductivity has been a crucial challenge in the development and large-scale distribution of fuel cell devices. In this work, we present two Nafion composite membranes containing a non-stoichiometric calcium titanate perovskite (CaTiO3−δ) as a filler. These membranes are proposed as a proton exchange electrolyte for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell devices. More precisely, two different perovskite concentrations of 5 wt% and 10 wt%, with respect to Nafion, are considered. The structural, morphological, and chemical properties of the composite membranes are studied, revealing an inhomogeneous distribution of the filler within the polymer matrix. Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) tests, at 110 °C and 2 M methanol concentration, were also performed. It was observed that the membrane containing 5 wt% of the additive allows the highest cell performance in comparison to the other samples, with a maximum power density of about 70 mW cm−2 at 200 mA cm−2. Consequently, the ability of the perovskite structure to support proton carriers is here confirmed, suggesting an interesting strategy to obtain successful materials for electrochemical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Mazzapioda
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carmelo Lo Vecchio
- CNR-ITAE, Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l’Energia “Nicola Giordano”, Via Salita S. Lucia 5, 98126 Messina, Italy; (C.L.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Olesia Danyliv
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden; (O.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Baglio
- CNR-ITAE, Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l’Energia “Nicola Giordano”, Via Salita S. Lucia 5, 98126 Messina, Italy; (C.L.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Anna Martinelli
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden; (O.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Maria Assunta Navarra
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4991-3658
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Composite Proton Exchange Membranes Based on Chitosan and Phosphotungstic Acid Immobilized One-Dimensional Attapulgite for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10091641. [PMID: 32825738 PMCID: PMC7558724 DOI: 10.3390/nano10091641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In order to obtain biopolymer chitosan-based proton exchange membranes with excellent mechanical properties as well as high ionic conductivity at the same time, natural attapulgite (AT) with one-dimensional (1D) structure was loaded with a strong heteropolyacid and also a super proton conductor, phosphotungstic acid (PWA), using a facial method. The obtained PWA anchored attapulgite (WQAT) was then doped into the chitosan matrix to prepare a series of Chitosan (CS)/WQAT composite membranes. The PWA coating could improve the dispersion and interfacial bonding between the nano-additive and polymer matrix, thus increasing the mechanical strength. Moreover, the ultra-strong proton conduction ability of PWA together with the interaction between positively charged CS chains and negatively charged PWA can construct effective proton transport channels with the help of 1D AT. The proton conductivity of the composite membrane (4 wt.% WQAT loading) reached 35.3 mS cm−1 at 80 °C, which was 31.8% higher than that of the pure CS membrane. Moreover, due to the decreased methanol permeability and increased conductivity, the composite membrane with 4% WQAT content exhibited a peak power density of 70.26 mW cm−2 fed at 2 M methanol, whereas the pure CS membrane displayed only 40.08 mW cm−2.
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Simari C, Lufrano E, Godbert N, Gournis D, Coppola L, Nicotera I. Titanium Dioxide Grafted on Graphene Oxide: Hybrid Nanofiller for Effective and Low-Cost Proton Exchange Membranes. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1572. [PMID: 32785158 PMCID: PMC7466480 DOI: 10.3390/nano10081572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A nanostructured hybrid material consisting of TiO2 nanoparticles grown and stabilized on graphene oxide (GO) platelets, was synthesized and tested as nanofiller in a polymeric matrix of sulfonated polysulfone (sPSU) for the preparation of new and low-cost nanocomposite electrolytes for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications. GO-TiO2 hybrid material combines the nanoscale structure, large interfacial area, and mechanical features of a 2D, layered material, and the hygroscopicity properties of ceramic oxides, able to maintain a suitable hydration of the membrane under harsh fuel cell operative conditions. GO-TiO2 was synthetized through a new, simple, one-pot hydrothermal procedure, while nanocomposite membranes were prepared by casting using different filler loadings. Both material and membranes were investigated by a combination of XRD, Raman, FTIR, thermo-mechanical analysis (TGA and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) and SEM microscopy, while extensive studies on the proton transport properties were carried out by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and pulse field gradient (PFG) NMR spectroscopy. The addition of GO-TiO2 to the sPSU produced a highly stable network, with an increasing of the storage modulus three-fold higher than the filler-free sPSU membrane. Moreover, the composite membrane with 3 wt.% of filler content demonstrated very high water-retention capacity at high temperatures as well as a remarkable proton mobility, especially in very low relative humidity conditions, marking a step ahead of the state of the art in PEMs. This suggests that an architecture between polymer and filler was created with interconnected routes for an efficient proton transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cataldo Simari
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy; (C.S.); (E.L.); (N.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Ernestino Lufrano
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy; (C.S.); (E.L.); (N.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Nicolas Godbert
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy; (C.S.); (E.L.); (N.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Dimitrios Gournis
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Luigi Coppola
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy; (C.S.); (E.L.); (N.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Isabella Nicotera
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy; (C.S.); (E.L.); (N.G.); (L.C.)
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Stenina I, Golubenko D, Nikonenko V, Yaroslavtsev A. Selectivity of Transport Processes in Ion-Exchange Membranes: Relationship with the Structure and Methods for Its Improvement. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5517. [PMID: 32752236 PMCID: PMC7432390 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, ion-exchange membranes have numerous applications in water desalination, electrolysis, chemistry, food, health, energy, environment and other fields. All of these applications require high selectivity of ion transfer, i.e., high membrane permselectivity. The transport properties of ion-exchange membranes are determined by their structure, composition and preparation method. For various applications, the selectivity of transfer processes can be characterized by different parameters, for example, by the transport number of counterions (permselectivity in electrodialysis) or by the ratio of ionic conductivity to the permeability of some gases (crossover in fuel cells). However, in most cases there is a correlation: the higher the flux density of the target component through the membrane, the lower the selectivity of the process. This correlation has two aspects: first, it follows from the membrane material properties, often expressed as the trade-off between membrane permeability and permselectivity; and, second, it is due to the concentration polarization phenomenon, which increases with an increase in the applied driving force. In this review, both aspects are considered. Recent research and progress in the membrane selectivity improvement, mainly including a number of approaches as crosslinking, nanoparticle doping, surface modification, and the use of special synthetic methods (e.g., synthesis of grafted membranes or membranes with a fairly rigid three-dimensional matrix) are summarized. These approaches are promising for the ion-exchange membranes synthesis for electrodialysis, alternative energy, and the valuable component extraction from natural or waste-water. Perspectives on future development in this research field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Stenina
- Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the RAS, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniel Golubenko
- Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the RAS, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor Nikonenko
- Membrane Institute, Kuban State University, 350040 Krasnodar, Russia
| | - Andrey Yaroslavtsev
- Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the RAS, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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Transport Properties and Mechanical Features of Sulfonated Polyether Ether Ketone/Organosilica Layered Materials Nanocomposite Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:membranes10050087. [PMID: 32365737 PMCID: PMC7281369 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10050087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we study the preparation of new sulfonated polyether ether ketone (sPEEK) nanocomposite membranes, containing highly ionic silica layered nanoadditives, as a low cost and efficient proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications. To achieve the best compromise among mechanical strength, dimensional stability and proton conductivity, sPEEK polymers with different sulfonation degree (DS) were examined. Silica nanoplatelets, decorated with a plethora of sulfonic acid groups, were synthesized through the one-step process, and composite membranes at 1, 3 and 5 wt% of filler loadings were prepared by a simple casting procedure. The presence of ionic layered additives improves the mechanical strength, the water retention capacity and the transport properties remarkably. The nanocomposite membrane with 5% wt of nanoadditive exhibited an improvement of tensile strength almost 160% (68.32 MPa,) with respect to pristine sPEEK and a ten-times higher rate of proton conductivity (12.8 mS cm−1) under very harsh operative conditions (i.e., 90 °C and 30% RH), compared to a filler-free membrane. These findings represent a significant advance as a polymer electrolyte or a fuel cell application.
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Parthiban V, Sahu AK. Performance enhancement of direct methanol fuel cells using a methanol barrier boron nitride–Nafion hybrid membrane. NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj00433b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Sulfonated hexagonal boron nitride is explored as a potential filler to prepare Nafion hybrid membranes for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Parthiban
- CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute-Madras Unit
- CSIR Madras Complex
- Taramani
- Chennai 600113
- India
| | - A. K. Sahu
- CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute-Madras Unit
- CSIR Madras Complex
- Taramani
- Chennai 600113
- India
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