Precise Control of the Preparation of Proton Exchange Membranes via Direct Electrostatic Deposition

In this work, we reported a novel preparation method for a proton exchange membrane (PEM) named, the direct electrostatic deposition method. In theory, any required thickness and size of PEM can be precisely controlled via this method. By direct electrostatic spraying of Nafion solution containing amino modified SiO₂ nanoparticles onto a metal collector, a hybrid membrane of 30 μm thickness was fabricated. The DMFC assembled with a prepared ultrathin membrane showed a maximum power density of 124.01 mW/cm² at 40 °C and 100% RH, which was 95.29% higher than that of Nafion. This membrane formation method provides potential benefits for the preparation of ultrathin PEMs.