Synthesis and characterization of nafion composite membrane for reduced methanol crossover in dmfc

Abstract

The polymer electrolyte membrane PEM is a key component in a direct methanol fuel cell DMFC The primary characteristics desired of a PEM for DMFC are low methanol crossover MCO high proton conductivity high mechanical thermal and chemical stability sufficient water uptake and moderate swelling easy fabrication to form the membrane electrode assembly MEA competitive low cost and sufficient long term durability The state of the art membrane Nafion 224 164 by DuPont possesses almost al