Alginate/PVA Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Modified by Hydrophilic Montmorillonite for Structure and Selectivity...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Nafion membranes are standard for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) but are costly and suffer high methanol crossover.
• Developing alternative membranes is crucial for advancing fuel cell technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a Sodium Alginate/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) (SA/PVA) blended membrane modified with montmorillonite (MMT).
• To evaluate the potential of SA/PVA-MMT membranes as a cost-effective and high-performance alternative to Nafion in DMFCs.

Main Methods:

• SA/PVA blended membranes were prepared using a solvent casting method.
• Montmorillonite (MMT) was incorporated as an inorganic filler at varying concentrations (2.0–20 wt%).
• Proton conductivity, methanol uptake, and thermal stability were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The optimal MMT content was found to be 10 wt%, yielding the highest proton conductivity (9.38 mScm⁻¹) and lowest methanol uptake (89.28%) at ambient temperature.
• The incorporation of MMT enhanced thermal stability and water absorption.
• MMT improved proton transport by creating hydrophilic channels within the SA/PVA matrix.

Conclusions:

• The SA/PVA-MMT membrane, particularly at 10 wt% MMT loading, demonstrates excellent potential as a superior alternative to Nafion for DMFC applications.
• The enhanced properties are attributed to MMT's hydrophilic nature and its interaction with the polymer matrices, facilitating proton transfer.
• This novel membrane offers a cheaper cost and competent performance for future fuel cell technologies.