Relationships between water uptake, conductivity and mechanical properties of hybrid MF-4SC membranes doped by silica nanoparticles

The effects of modifying MY-4SC perfluorosulfonic membrane with hydrated silica nanoparticles on the mechanical properties, water uptake and ionic conductivity have been compared. It has been found that the maximum values of the Young's modulus, strength, water uptake and conductivity of the membrane, along with the minimum storage modulus of elasticity, are observed at low dopant concentrations (3-5 wt%). The results are well described within the model of limited elasticity of membrane pore walls.