ePrints@IIScePrints@IISc Home | About | Browse | Latest Additions | Advanced Search | Contact | Help

Sodium-alginate-based proton-exchange membranes as electrolytes for DMFCs

Mohanapriya, S and Bhat, SD and Sahu, AK and Manokaran, A and Vijayakumar, R and Pitchumani, S and Sridhar, P and Shukla, AK (2010) Sodium-alginate-based proton-exchange membranes as electrolytes for DMFCs. In: Energy & Environmental Science, 3 (11). pp. 1746-1756.

[img] PDF
Proton.pdf - Published Version
Restricted to Registered users only

Download (496kB) | Request a copy
Official URL: http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2010...

Abstract

Novel mixed-matrix membranes prepared by blending sodium alginate (NaAlg) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and certain heteropolyacids (HPAs), such as phosphomolybdic acid (PMoA), phosphotungstic acid (PWA) and silicotungstic acid (SWA), followed by ex-situ cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GA) to achieve the desired mechanical and chemical stability, are reported for use as electrolytes in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). NaAlg-PVA-HPA mixed matrices possess a polymeric network with micro-domains that restrict methanol cross-over. The mixed-matrix membranes are characterised for their mechanical and thermal properties. Methanol cross-over rates across NaAlg-PVA and NaAlg-PVA-HPA mixed-matrix membranes are studied by measuring the mass balance of methanol using a density meter. The DMFC using NaAlg-PVA-SWA exhibits a peak power-density of 68 mW cm(-2) at a load current-density of 225 mA cm(-2), while operating at 343 K. The rheological properties of NaAlg and NaAlg-PVA-SWA viscous solutions are studied and their behaviour validated by a non-Newtonian power-law.

Item Type: Journal Article
Publication: Energy & Environmental Science
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
Additional Information: Copyright of this article belongs to Royal Society of Chemistry.
Department/Centre: Division of Chemical Sciences > Solid State & Structural Chemistry Unit
Date Deposited: 29 Nov 2010 12:10
Last Modified: 29 Nov 2010 12:10
URI: http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/33973

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item