Nanocomposite Ternary Acid-Base Blend Based Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cells

The recognition that the world now needs a renewable energy source is fuelling scientific research in many areas of renewable energy. One of the most promising of these sources of renewable energy is the fuel cell. One of the major areas of development in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC's) lies in one of the most fundamental parts, the membrane itself. As such Poly(1-vinylimidazole) (PVIm) polymer was synthesized in order to make polymer electrolyte membranes and to use the well known ability of imidazole compounds to conduct via grotthus mechanism. A ternary composition has been developed utilizing PVdF-HFP, triflic acid, and PVIm and high conductivities has been observed. Nanocomposite blend and ternary membranes has also been synthesized in situ by the addition of nanotubular titania. Morphological as well as electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of these membranes have been studied. The membrane exhibited good properties making them suitable for application in fuel cells.