Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Membrane for Low Humidity and High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

Functionalized graphene oxide Nafion nanocomposites (F-GO/Nafion) are presented as a potential proton exchange membrane (PEM) replacement for high temperature PEM fuel cell applications. The GO nanosheets were produced from natural graphite flakes by the modified Hummer’s method and then functionalized by using 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) as the sulfonic acid functional group precursor. F-GO/Nafion composite membranes were fabricated by a simplistic solution casting method. Several physicochemical characterization techniques were applied to provide insight into the specific structure and morphology, functional groups, water uptake, and ionic conductivities of the membranes. Proton conductivity and single cell test results demonstrated significant improvements for F-GO/Nafion membranes (4 times) over recast Nafion at 120 °C with 25% humidity.