PMA/ZrO2–P2O5–SiO2 glass composite membranes: H2/O2 fuel cells

A new class of proton-conducting glass composite membranes based on phosphosilicate (P2O5–SiO2) mixed with phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) composite was investigated. Glass electrolytes consisting of this novel combination were characterized with pore property measurements. Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, impedance spectroscopy, hydrogen permeability measurements and electrochemical analysis. Heteropolyacid (HPA)-containing inorganic glass composite membrane that have pores with ∼3 nm diameters are more appropriate for developing fast proton-conducting glasses. PMA-doped ZrO2–P2O5–SiO2 glass membranes exhibited high proton conductivities and showed high hydrogen permeability. A glass composite membrane (2PMA/4ZrO2–4P2O5–90SiO2 mol%) was fabricated and demonstrated a power density of 32 mW/cm2 at 29 °C and 30% relative humidity under hydrogen and oxygen feed mode.