Influence of the size and shape of silica nanoparticles on the properties and degradation of a PBI-based high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane

The life time stability of membrane material is one of the major parameters regarding reliability of high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Present work has improved fuel cell durability and chemical stability by incorporating cross-linked silica particles in phosphoric acid doped...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of membrane science 2014-03, Vol.454, p.12-19
Main Authors: OSSIANDER, T, HEINZL, C, GLEICH, S, SCHÖNBERGER, F, VÖLK, P, WELSCH, M, SCHEU, C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Chemistry
Colloidal state and disperse state
Crosslinking
Durability
Electrodes
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc
Exact sciences and technology
Exchange resins and membranes
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Fuel cells
General and physical chemistry
Membranes
Particulate composites
Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Silanes
Silicon dioxide
Technology of polymers
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Summary:The life time stability of membrane material is one of the major parameters regarding reliability of high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Present work has improved fuel cell durability and chemical stability by incorporating cross-linked silica particles in phosphoric acid doped poly(2,2'-m-phenylene-5,5'-bibenzimidazole) membranes. Three different silica particle contents were generated in membranes by in-situ sol-gel reaction from the precursor tetraethoxy silane and cross-linked to the polymer chains by using (3-glycidoxypropyl)-methyldiethoxysilane. The size, shape and distribution of the silica nanoparticles were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The amorphous characteristics and the chemical composition of the silica particles were investigated using X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Detailed statistical analysis showed that by increasing the tetraethoxy silane content, the particle size was reduced while the amount of particles was increased. Ex-situ membrane characterization and in-situ membrane electrode assembly testing revealed a high influence of the silica content on the mechanical stability and start-stop-cycling behavior. The improved lifetime durability of the organic-inorganic composite membrane was proven in comparison to the pure polybenzimidazole membrane in membrane electrode assemblies over 1300 h under constant fuel cell operation in reformate.
ISSN:0376-7388
1873-3123
DOI:10.1016/j.memsci.2013.12.004