Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles filled Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) Proton Conducting Nanocomposites Membranes for Fuel Cell

This paper presents an evaluation of the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) with sulfonation degree of 57%. A series of inorganic-organic hybrid membranes were prepared with a systematic variation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles content. Their water uptake, methanol permeability and proton conductivity as a function of temperature were investigated. The results obtained show that the inorganic oxide network decreases the proton conductivity and water swelling. It is also found that increase in inorganic oxide content leads to decrease of methanol permeability. In terms of morphology, membranes are homogeneous and exhibit a good adhesion between inorganic domains and the polymer matrix. The properties of the composite membranes are compared with standard nafion membrane.