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Enhanced Proton Transfer in Proton-Exchange Membranes with Interconnected and Zwitterion-Functionalized Covalent
Zhuang Rao1, Deyu Zhu1, You Xu1
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China.
Chemsuschem
|February 22, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel zwitterion-functionalized covalent porous material (CNT@ZSNW-1) to enhance proton conductivity in proton-exchange membranes (PEMs). This material significantly boosts proton conductivity and power density in fuel cells.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) are crucial for efficient proton conduction.
- Covalent porous materials (CPMs) offer tunable properties for advanced membrane applications.
- Existing PEMs face limitations in proton conductivity and water management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct an interconnected, zwitterion-functionalized CPM (CNT@ZSNW-1) for enhanced proton conduction.
- To improve the performance of composite PEMs by integrating CNT@ZSNW-1 with Nafion.
- To investigate the impact of zwitterion functionalization and interconnected structure on proton transfer.
Main Methods:
- In-situ growth of SNW-1 onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
- Zwitterion functionalization of the CNT-Schiff-base network (CNT@ZSNW-1).
- Fabrication of composite PEMs by incorporating CNT@ZSNW-1 into Nafion.
Main Results:
- CNT@ZSNW-1 integration significantly enhanced proton conductivity of Nafion-based PEMs to 0.287 S/cm at 90°C/95% RH.
- The composite PEM exhibited a 2.2-fold increase in proton conductivity compared to recast Nafion.
- A peak power density of 39.6 mW/cm² was achieved in direct methanol fuel cells, surpassing recast Nafion's 19.9 mW/cm².
Conclusions:
- Zwitterion functionalization and interconnected CPM structures effectively promote proton transfer and water retention in PEMs.
- The developed CNT@ZSNW-1 material serves as a highly efficient proton-conducting accelerator.
- This work provides a pathway for designing advanced CPMs to optimize proton conductivity in PEMs for energy applications.
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