Influence of Sulfonated Graphene Oxide on Sulfonated Polysulfone Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

Novel proton exchange membranes consisting of an inorganic filler, namely sulfonated graphene oxide, embedded in sulfonated polysulfone were fabricated. The membrane performance depended on the sulfonated graphene oxide content possessed the functional groups to provide the interfacial interaction with sulfonated polysulfone through ionic channels and blocking effect. The membrane with 3% v/v sulfonated graphene oxide content embedded in the matrix was shown to be suitable for direct methanol fuel cell applications. The membrane exhibited the highest proton conductivity of 4.27x10(-3) S cm(-1) which was higher than that of Nafion117. Moreover, the membrane provided the lowest methanol permeability of 3.48x10(-7)cm(2)/s which was lower than that of Nafion117. [GRAPHICS] .