| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1278570 | International Journal of Hydrogen Energy | 2012 | 8 Pages |
In this study, the mesoporous silica aerogel supported Pt nanoparticle (SAP) was synthesized by the simple microwave-assisted method within 90 s and characterized by WXRD and BET measurements. SAP was then used as a filler to prepare the self-humidifying Nafion®-based composite membrane (N/SAP). The dispersion of the catalyst in N/SAP as well as the water uptake and proton conductivity of N/SAP were investigated. Compared to that of the recast Nafion® membrane (RN), the water uptake and the proton conductivity of N/SAP was improved for about 38% and 109%, respectively. In addition, the power density of the PEMFC single cell fabricated with N/SAP at 50 °C was 1104 mW cm−2 and 913 mW cm−2 measured under the humidified condition and dry condition, respectively, which was approximately 91% and 5.5 times higher than that with RN membrane, respectively.
► The silica aerogel supported Pt (SAP) was synthesized by microwave-assisted method. ► The water uptake of the Nafion/SAP composite membrane (N/SAP) was increased for 38%. ► The proton conductivity of N/SAP was increased for 109%. ► The power density of PEMFC with N/SAP improved 91% under the humidified condition. ► The power density of PEMFC with N/SAP improved 5.5 times under the dry condition.
