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Enhancing Water Retention, Transport, and Conductivity Performance in Fuel Cell Applications: Nafion-Based Nanocomposite Membranes with Organomodified Graphene Oxide Nanoplatelets

Author

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  • Muhammad Habib Ur Rehman

    (Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy)

  • Luigi Coppola

    (Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy)

  • Ernestino Lufrano

    (Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy)

  • Isabella Nicotera

    (Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy)

  • Cataldo Simari

    (Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy)

Abstract

The synergistic combination of Nafion and sulfonated graphene oxide (GOsulf) in nanocomposite membranes emerged as a promising strategy for advancing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology. In the pursuit of elucidating the effect of GOsulf introduction on transport properties and electrochemical performance of Nafion, this work provides a systematic study combining swelling tests, water release tests, 1 H NMR characterization, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) investigation. The incorporation of organomodified GO nanolayers alters the distribution of water molecules within the hydrophilic domains of Nafion and produces a considerable increase in the “bound-water” fraction. This increases its water retention capability while ensuring very high diffusivity even under high temperatures, i.e., 1.5 × 10 −5 cm 2 s −1 at 130 °C. These peculiar features enable Naf-GOsulf to successfully operate under a dehydrating environment, yielding a proton conductivity of 44.9 mS cm −1 at 30% RH.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Habib Ur Rehman & Luigi Coppola & Ernestino Lufrano & Isabella Nicotera & Cataldo Simari, 2023. "Enhancing Water Retention, Transport, and Conductivity Performance in Fuel Cell Applications: Nafion-Based Nanocomposite Membranes with Organomodified Graphene Oxide Nanoplatelets," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:23:p:7759-:d:1287241
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Steven Chu & Arun Majumdar, 2012. "Opportunities and challenges for a sustainable energy future," Nature, Nature, vol. 488(7411), pages 294-303, August.
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