Kim H.-J., Kabir L.
Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea, KR
Keywords: coordination network, MOF, Nafion®, PEMFC, proton conductivity
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can serve as a scaffold to anchor acidic groups and provide efficient proton transfer pathways owing to their highly ordered structures and modular nature. Intentional coordination of MOFs with a conductive polymer was targeted to improve the proton conductivity and propose a better candidate material for fuel cell applications. Employing the concept of coordination networks, the conductivity of Nafion® was amplified by fabricating a composite of it with an inexpensive and highly proton-conductive three-dimensional MOF, namely, {[(Me2NH2)3(SO4)]2[Zn2(ox)3]}n (1, Me = methyl, ox = oxalate). Along with slightly higher thermal stability, increased ion exchange capacity (IEC) and water uptake were observed, and the addition of 1 wt% of MOF 1to Nafion® was found to be maximally efficient. The MOF structure was confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, while the MOF 1/Nafion® composite was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). This study may offer a cost-effective and facile fabrication technique for a variety of proton exchange membranes with characteristic proton-conducting properties for fuel cell applications.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Materials for Energy, Efficiency and Sustainability: TechConnect Briefs 2017
Published: May 14, 2017
Pages: 193 - 196
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Fuel cells & Hydrogen
ISBN: 978-0-9975117-9-6