Preparation and characterization of quaternized poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/MoS₂ composite anion exchange membranes...

In this study, a series of novel quaternized poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/molybdenum disulfide (QPVA/CS/MoS₂) anion exchange membranes (AEMs) were prepared for direct methanol alkaline fuel cell (DMAFC). The composite membrane was synthesized by adding different amounts of MoS₂ nanosheets (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1wt%) into QPVA/CS mixture solution and using the solution casting method. The crystallinity, thermal and mechanical properties, ion conductivity and resistance to methanol of the QPVA/CS/MoS₂ membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile testing, ion exchange capacity, and methanol permeability measurements, respectively. The MoS₂ was homogeneously dispersed in the membranes. The mechanical strength of the composite membranes was enhanced with the addition of MoS₂. With the addition of 1.0wt% MoS₂, the QPVA/CS/MoS₂ composite membrane has the lowest methanol permeability of 0.210×10^-7cm²·s^-1. This study confirmed that the novel QPVA/CS/MoS₂ membrane would be a potential candidate for the application in DMAFCs.