Producing of imidazol functional SiO2 nanoparticles /Nafion nanocomposite membranes for PEMFC applications

Abstract

In this study, nanocomposite membranes were produced and characterized for using in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC), an innovative field of study. 3, 5, and 10% by weight of Imidazole (Im), Benzimidazole (Bim) and Phenyimidazole (PIm), which are molecules of SiO2 nanoparticles and azole groups for the production of nanostructured composite membranes that conduction proton (H +) ions in the PEMFC used. A method consists of two steps was preferred to the producing of composite membranes. Firstly, the interaction of Imk Bim and PIm with epoxy functional SiO2 nanoparticles were achieved and functional SiO2 nano particles were synthesized via ring opening mechanism of epoxy ring. Secondly, Nation solution were prepared with functional nanoparticles to obtain composite membranes. Proton conducting nanocomposite membranes were prepared in silk printing method. Homogeneous distribution of materials and particle size were determined by X-Ray Diffraction, surface morphology was determined by SEM, presence of intennolecular interactions between components was determined by FT-IR spectnun. Thermal stability at high temperatures was monitored by TGA measurements, moisture resistance was monitored by Water Uptake Tests, methanol permeability by Methanol Uptake Tests and proton transport capacity by Alpha analyzer. Also, the glass transition temperature (Tg), values of the membranes were determined by DSC measurements.