A hydrophilic expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (ePTFE) based composite membrane was prepared and tested for proton exchange fuel cell applications. The composite membrane was prepared by impregnating hydrophilic ePTFE membrane with 5% Nafion solution (equivalent weight=1000⁠). This new composite membrane showed higher water uptake (12.7%) than that of normal hydrophobic ePTFE based composite membrane (6.3%) and better proton conductivity. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed that the hydrophilic ePTFE based membrane can easily form a dense composite membrane while hydrophobic ePTFE based composite membranes tend to have micropores inside. The hydrophilic ePTFE based composite membrane showed better thermal and dimensional stability than recast Nafion membrane.

Issue Section:
Technical Briefs
Keywords:
proton exchange membrane fuel cells, scanning electron microscopy, thermal stability, fuel cell, composite membrane, hydrophilic ePTFE, Nafion
Topics:
Composite materials, Membranes, Proton conductivity, Water, Proton exchange membrane fuel cells
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