Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel cells (PEMFCs) are a promising technology solution for clean energy because they offer high energy conversion efficiency and low emission of pollutants. However, high cost and insufficient durability are the challenges that halt the widespread adoption of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in practical applications. The fuel cell membrane, e.g. Nafion, contributes significantly to this cost, and therefore novel alternatives are required. To achieve this, this study investigates the use of two low-cost membrane materials: Nanocellulose and Cellulose Filter paper. Both materials were treated with citric acid to produce more carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups thereby increasing the proton conductivity and the power output. The cellulose filter paper was then used as a scaffold to support resorcinol bis (diphenyl phosphate) (RDP) which possesses high heat stability. This combination of RDP on cellulose filter papers enabled significant power output as well. The Fuel cell tests of Nanocellulose and Cellulose/RDP-based membrane electrode assemblies yielded a maximum power output of 28 mW/cm2 at 80 0C in Oxygen for Nanocellulose and 18 mW/cm2 at 60 0C in Air for Cellulose/RDP with only 0.1 mg/cm2 platinum catalyst loading on both anode and cathode. Proton conductivity was measured on both of the cellulose membranes. Additionally, SEM and FTIR spectroscopy revealed a chemical crosslinking between citric acid and cellulose for both membranes. In particular, the RDP was hydrogen-bonded to cellulose fibers in case of cellulose filter paper which further facilitated the proton conduction. This study represents a new generation of cost-effective proton conducting membranes for PEMFCs.

Comparative study of cost-effective cellulose membranes in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.