Characterization of hybrid composite membrane based polymer/precursor/SiO2

New class of hybrid composite was synthesized via sol–gel process with the combination of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), TEOS, 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) reacted with the cross-linking agent glutaraldehyde. The composites demonstrated a maximum high proton conductivity of 1.7 × 10− 2 S cm− 1 at 140 °C and a relative humidity of 50% RH. The swelling ratio was calculated in dry and wet conditions, and the composites were found capable of swelling. The structural formation of the composites was studied by techniques such as FTIR, TGA and impedance spectroscopy, and it was concluded that these PVA-SiO2/GPTMS/GA composite membranes exhibited excellent thermal, mechanical and conductivity properties.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A new PVA□SiO2/GPTMS/GA hybrid composite membrane was introduced by the sol-gel process.
► PVA was chemically cross-linked with glutaraldehyde and GPTMS, showing a strong thermal stability and high proton conductivity.
► The proton-conducting membranes were promising as electrolytes for low/intermediate temperature fuel cells.