Characterization and fuel cell performance analysis of polyvinylalcohol–mordenite mixed-matrix membranes for direct methanol fuel cell use

Polyvinylalcohol–mordenite (PVA–MOR) mixed matrix membranes were synthesized for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) use. For the structural and the morphological characterization, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis methods were used. Zeolite distribution within the polymer matrix was found to be homogeneous. An impedance spectroscope was used to measure the proton conductivity. In order to obtain information about methanol permeation characteristics, swelling tests and a series of pervaporation experiments were carried out. 60–40 wt% PVA–MOR membranes were found to give the optimum transport properties. Proton conductivity of these membranes was found to be slightly lower than that of Nafion117™ whereas their methanol permeability was at least two orders of magnitude lower than Nafion117™. DMFC performance of the PVA–MOR membranes was also measured. The inferior DMFC performance of PVA–MOR membranes was linked to drying in the fuel cell medium and the consequent proton conductivity loss. Their performance was improved by adding a dilute solution of sulfuric acid into the feed methanol solution. Future studies on the improvement of the proton conductivity of PVA–MOR membranes, especially via sulfonation of the polymer matrix, can overcome the low-performance problem associated with insufficient proton conductivity.

► We investigated the availability of PVA–mordenite membranes for DMFC use.
► We measured the methanol permeability of PVA–mordenite membranes via pervaporation.
► We did the fuel cell testing of these membranes, which had not been done before.
► We showed that PVA–mordenite membranes have poorer DMFC performance than Nafion®.
► Membrane performance can be improved by increasing the proton conductivity of PVA.