Composite membranes based on Nafion® and plasma treated clay charges: Elaboration and water sorption investigations

▶ Composite polymer membranes were prepared by incorporation of modified layered inorganic clay (Laponite) into Nafion® membranes. ▶ Water vapor sorption properties of the modified clay and the composite membranes were investigated varying water activity conditions (from 0.1 to 0.95). ▶ The modified Laponite particles incorporated into a polymer film contribute to an increase of the proton conductivity of composite membranes at high temperatures (85 °C).