Preparation and characterization of SPEEK/MMT-STA composite membrane for DMFC application

► Various loading of STA was successfully entrapped onto MMT via impregnation method. ► Fabrication of SPEEK/SMMT membranes with 1 wt% additives loading. ► The leaching out of STA was studied using the IEC and proton conductivity values. ► The water uptake and swelling ratio increased with the increasing loading of STA. ► The performance of the membranes was enhanced with the addition of SMMT.