Cyclic Olefin Copolymer/Photoinitiator Proton Exchange Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

This article investigates cyclic polyolefin copolymer/photoinitiator blend membranes that contain 10, 30, and 50PHR (parts per hundred resins) cationic photoinitiator (PI) used in direct methanol fuel cells. We analyze the morphology, electrical, methanol barrier, mechanical and thermal properties of COC/PI-blend membranes. The results show that superacid photoinitiators can enhance the conductivity and methanol barrier of COC. However, the mechanical properties decrease with the amount of photoinitiator. COC/PI blend membranes have heat stability below 200 degrees C. They can meet the direct methanol fuel cells operating temperatures.