Improved proton conductivity in MoS2-NiO-Co3O4 filled chitosan based proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) is an essential component of the membrane electrode assembly in the polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) which should display efficient proton conduction for better performance. Chitosan (CS) based PEMs are proposed as proton conductors for PEFCs for their film-forming and biodegradable nature to replace the synthetic, hydrocarbon-derived PEMs. However, the crystalline nature as well as poor reinforcement of the saccharide backbone lowers the proton conductivity of CS, and this prevents its commercialization as state-of-the-art PEM for fuel cell applications. Here, we report a CS based nanocomposite membranes which delivers a maximum proton conductivity of 44.45 mS cm-1 at 80 degrees C under partially hydrated conditions. Exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets and magnetically active NiO-Co3O4 are introduced as active fillers in the CS matrix to improve the proton conductivity and stability of the prepared membranes. The fabricated CS nanocomposite membranes are also investigated for their mechanical characteristics, degree of swelling, waterretention and ion-exchange properties. The obtained results suggest the utility of these membranes as alternative PEMs for fuel cell applications.

Automated summary

A chitosan-based nanocomposite membrane has been developed to improve the proton conductivity and stability for fuel cell applications, achieving a maximum proton conductivity of 44.45 mS cm-1 under partially hydrated conditions at 80 degrees C. The introduction of exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets and magnetically active NiO-Co3O4 as active fillers in the chitosan matrix has shown promising results in enhancing the membrane performance.