Assessment of polybenzimidazole/MOF composite membranes for the improvement of high-temperature PEM fuel cell performance


Devrim Y., ÇOLPAN C. Ö.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol.58, pp.470-478, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 58
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.01.184
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
  • Page Numbers: pp.470-478
  • Keywords: Composite membranes, High-temperature PEM fuel cell, Polybenzimidazole, Proton conductivity, ZIF-8
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aims to determine the most effective utilization of ZIF-8 type metal-organic framework (MOF) doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) composite membrane in high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) and investigate how ZIF-8 filler affects performance. ZIF-8 particles were prepared by solvothermal method and added to the PBI polymer using a weight percentage varying from 1 to 5 %. XRD, BET, and TEM examined the prepared ZIF-8. Composite membrane properties were investigated by XRD, SEM analysis, proton conductivity measurements, acid doping, and acid stripping tests. The HT-PEMFC performances of the membranes were carried out using Hydrogen and dry air at 150–180. The highest performance was acquired with the composite ZIF8/PBI-2 membrane as 0.432 W/cm2 at 170 °C. The obtained result is explained by easier proton transfer over ZIF-8's enlarged tunnel network. This study proposes a promising strategy to use ZIF-8 to prepare a PBI composite membrane with excellent proton conductivity, acid doping, and low acid leaching for HT-PEMFC application. The current study's findings can support future research on PBI/MOF-based composite membranes for HT-PEMFC applications.