Polymer electrolyte membranes containing titanate nanotubes for elevated temperature fuel cells under low relative humidity

► Nafion/titanate nanotubes composite membranes were developed as electrolyte for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. ► The incompatibility of the doped nanotubes and the resins leads to crack formation of the membrane at concentration of doped nanotubes above 5 wt.%. ► The composite membrane containing 5 wt.% of nanotubes can improve the fuel cell performance at reduced relative humidity.