Immobilisation and Release of Radical Scavengers on Nanoclays for Chemical Reinforcement of Proton Exchange Membranes

Membranes (Basel). 2020 Aug 28;10(9):208. doi: 10.3390/membranes10090208.

Abstract

Mechanical and chemical stability of proton exchange membranes are crucial requirements for the development of fuel cells for durable energy conversion. To tackle this challenge, bi-functional nanoclays grafted with amino groups and with embedded radical scavengers, that is, CeO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into Aquivion® ionomer. The composite membranes presented high proton conductivity and increased stability to radical attack compared to non-modified Aquivion membranes, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach based on radical scavenger immobilisation and release from clay nanocontainers.

Keywords: cerium oxide; halloysite; proton exchange membrane fuel cells; radical scavengers.