A Novel Proton-Conducting Membrane

Abstract

A family of novel proton‐conducting membranes (PCMs) has been prepared from low‐cost, thermally stable materials and has been preliminarily characterized. These PCMs consist of electronic nonconductive nanosize ceramic powder, polymer binder, and an acid. They have the appearance of plastic, good mechanical properties, nanosize pores (typically smaller then ) filled with the acid, and room‐temperature conductivity of up to (twice that of Nafion). Their thickness ranges from . These PCMs are considered to be excellent and low‐cost candidates for many electrochemical applications, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, supercapacitors, sensors, and batteries. ©1998 The Electrochemical Society