Development of Nafion/Tin Oxide Composite MEA for DMFC applications
Résumé
Nafion composite membranes containing either hydrated tin oxide (SnO2•nH2O) or sulfated tin oxide (S-SnO2) at 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% were prepared and characterized. The structural and electrochemical features of the samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, methanol crossover, and direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) tests. Highest conductivity values were obtained by using S-SnO2 as filler (0.094 Scm-1 at T=110°C and RH=100%). The presence of the inorganic compound resulted in lower methanol crossover and improved DMFC performance with respect to a reference unfilled membrane. To improve the interface of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a layer of the composite electrolyte (i.e., the Nafion membrane containing 5 wt% S-SnO2) was brushed on the electrodes, obtaining a DMFC operating at 110°C with a power density (PD) of 100 mWcm-2 which corresponds to a PD improvement of 52% with respect to the unfilled Nafion membrane.
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