Proton conducting properties of nanocomposite membranes of chitosan

Nanocomposite membranes of chitosan prepared in our earlier paper (see Ref. [1]) by incorporating different concentrations of Preyssler type heteropolyacid, H-14[NaP5W30O110] (H-14-P-5) nanoparticles have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (Fritz), thermogravimetry (TGA) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Proton conductivity data of these membranes measured at varying temperatures have shown a systematic improvement in proton conductivity over that of the nascent chitosan membrane. Arrhenius activation parameter values obtained have been discussed in terms of the conduction transport mechanisms. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.