Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) membranes with sulfonated graphene oxide fillers for direct methanol fuel cells

Sulfonated organosilane functionalized graphene oxides (SSi-GO) synthesized through the grafting of graphene oxide (GO) with 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane and subsequent oxidation have been used as a filler in sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membranes. The incorporation of SSi-GOs greatly increases the ion-exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, and proton conductivity of the membrane. With well-controlled contents of SSi-GOs, the composite membranes exhibit higher proton conductivity and lower methanol permeability than Nafion® 112 and Nafion® 115, making them particularly attractive as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). The composite membrane with optimal SSi-GOs content exhibit over 38 and 17% higher power densities, respectively, than Nafion® 112 and Nafion® 115 membranes in DMFCs, offering the possibilities to reduce the DMFC membrane cost significantly while keeping high-performance.

Graphical abstractSulfonated graphene oxides (SSi-GOs) have been used as a filler in sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membranes. With well-controlled contents of SSi-GOs, the composite membranes exhibit higher proton conductivity and lower methanol permeability than Nafion® 112 and Nafion® 115 membranes.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Sulfonated graphene oxides have been used as a filler in SPEEK membranes. ► The properties of the composite membranes depend on the contents of SSi-GOs. ► The optimized membranes exhibit higher performance than Nafion® 112 and 115.