Enhanced proton conductivity of polymer electrolyte membrane doped with titanate nanotubes

Nafion-titanate nanotubes composite membranes were prepared through a casting process. With the addition of 5 wt.%, the nanotubes were homogenously distributed in Nafion solution. The formed composite membrane showed a comparable mechanical strength to Nafion membrane. The proton conductivity of the composite membrane without external humidification is higher than that of the Nafion membrane, reaching 0.034 Scm(-1) and 0.01 Scm(-1) at 100 A degrees C and 120 A degrees C, respectively. The improved proton conductivity was attributed to the great water retention ability of the doped nanotubes.