Synthesis and characterization of hybrid composite membranes and their properties: Single cell performances based on carbon black catalyst/proton-conducting hybrid composite membrane for H2/O2 fuel cells

In this study, a class of less expensive non-platinum catalyst (carbon black catalyst) and proton-conducting hybrid composite membranes based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were introduced. Properties and performances of the new materials as proton exchange membrane for use in fuel cells operating at low temperatures were investigated to reduce the costs. A maximum conductivity value of 0.4 S cm−1 was obtained at 100 °C with excellent thermal and mechanical stability of the membranes. This is the first time such a high proton conductivity value has been achieved for SiWA/MPTMS/SiO2/GA/PVP hybrid composite membrane. A maximum current density of ~700 mA cm−2 for the membrane-electrode-assemble (MEA), consisting of Carbon black based catalyst and hybrid composite membrane was obtained at 80 °C and 100% relative humidity. To the best of my knowledge, no reports have been published using the same non-Pt catalyst with hybrid composite membrane electrolyte providing high current density at low temperatures. In this paper, two systems that present high proton conductivity and current density at relatively low temperatures by the combination of hybrid composite membrane and non-platinum catalyst (Carbon black catalyst).