green technology; green energy; fuel cell; nanostructured material; nanocomposite; clay
Abstract :
[en] Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) that use a proton exchange membrane (PEM) as electrolyte, is a promising alternative source of energy for the future. However, methanol crossover from the anodic side to the cathodic one is a major problem in DMFC. Proper dispersion of layered silicates within the fuel cell membrane has been proposed as a strategy for improving the barrier properties of the membrane. The validity of this approach has been tested in case of a model membrane consisting of phosphotungstic acid doped poly(vinyl alcohol). A solvent casting technique has been used, which allows the nanofiller to be delaminated by an ultrasonic pre-treatment, as confirmed by TEM and XRD analysis. The layered silicates have a favourable impact on the methanol permeability, whose the decrease overcompensates some loss in ionic conductivity.
Research center :
Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Disciplines :
Chemical engineering Materials science & engineering Chemistry
Author, co-author :
Thomassin, Jean-Michel ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Pagnoulle, Christophe; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Caldarella, Giuseppe ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Applied Chemistry > Laboratory of Industrial Chemistry
Germain, Albert ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Applied Chemistry > Laboratory of Industrial Chemistry
Jérôme, Robert ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Language :
English
Title :
Contribution of nanoclays to the barrier properties of a model proton exchange membrane for fuel cell application
The Région Wallonne in the frame of the: NANOCELL program BELSPO - SPP Politique scientifique - Service Public Fédéral de Programmation Politique scientifique
Commentary :
The authors acknowledge Journal of Membrane Science (Elsevier) for allowing them to archive this paper.
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