Chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol-sulfonated polyethersulfone mixed-matrix membranes as methanol-barrier electrolytes for DMFCs

Meenakshi, S and Bhat, SD and Sahu, AK and Sridhar, P and Pitchumani, S and Shukla, AK (2012) Chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol-sulfonated polyethersulfone mixed-matrix membranes as methanol-barrier electrolytes for DMFCs. In: Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 124 (1, SI). E73-E82.

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Abstract

Chitosan (CS)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cross-linked with sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) and modified with sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) mixed-matrix membranes are reported for their application in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Polyethersulfone (PES) is sulfonated by chlorosulfonic acid and factors affecting the sulfonation reaction, such as time and temperature, are studied. The ion-exchange capacity, degree of sulfonation, sorption, and proton conductivity for the mixed-matrix membranes are investigated. The mixed-matrix membranes are also characterised for their mechanical and thermal properties. The methanol-crossover flux across the mixed-matrix membranes is studied by measuring the mass balance of methanol using the density meter. The methanol cross-over for these membranes is found to be about 33% lower in relation to Nafion-117 membrane. The DMFC employing CS-PVA-SPES mixed-matrix membrane with an optimum content of 25 wt % SPES delivers a peak power-density of 5.5 mW cm-2 at a load current-density of 25 mA cm-2 while operating at 70 degrees C. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Publisher:	John Wiley and Sons
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to John Wiley and Sons.
Department/Centre:	Division of Chemical Sciences > Solid State & Structural Chemistry Unit
Date Deposited:	17 Apr 2012 11:29
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2012 11:29
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/44296

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