The Effect of sGO Content in sPEEK/sGO Composite Membrane for Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell

Abstract

Abstract Polymer electrolyte membrane for unitized regenerative fuel cells requires high proton conductivity, high dimensional stability, low permeability, and low cost. However, DuPo nt’s Nafion which is a commercial polymer electrolyte membrane has high permeabili ty, high cost, and decreasing proton conductivity and dimensional stability over 80°C. To address these problems, sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (sPEEK) which is a low cost hydrocarbon polymer is selected as matrix polymer for the preparation of polymer elect rolyte membrane. In addition, composite membrane with improved proton conductivity and dimensional stability is prepared by introducing sulfonated graphene oxide (sGO). The fundamental properties of polymer electrolyte membranes are analyzed by investigating membrane’s water content, dimensional stability, proton conductivity, and morphology. The cell test is conducted to consider the possibility of application of sPEEK/sGO composite membrane for an unitized regenerative fuel cell.