Synthesis and characterization of P2O5–SiO2–X (X = phosphotungstic acid) glasses as electrolyte for low temperature H2/O2 fuel cell application

A new class of proton conducting glass membranes for hydrogen fuel cell applications are being developed using phosphotungstic acid. These glasses are being design to yield high proton conductivities could be potential substitutes for electrolytes in H2/O2 fuel cell. P2O5–SiO2–PWA glasses have been non-crystalline phases confirmed by structural studies. The glass materials showed good mechanical and thermal stability, and also found a maximum proton conductivity of 9.1 × 10−2 S/cm at 90 °C and 30% RH. The average pore size less than 5 nm was determined by Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) desorption method. The electrochemical activity was investigated by polarization curves and current–voltage profiles. A maximum power density value of 10.2 mW/cm2 was obtained using 0.15 mg/cm2 of Pt/C loaded on electrode and 5P2O5–87SiO2–8PWA glasses at 30 °C and 30% humidity.