Characterization of PVdF-HFP/Nafion/AlO[OH]n composite membranes for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC)

Poly-(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP)/Nafion ionomer/aluminum oxy hydroxide nanocomposite membranes were prepared by phase inversion technique. The resultant membranes were subjected to protonic conductivity, methanol permeability, infra-red and thermogravimmetric analysis. The infra-red spectroscopic measurements revealed the presence of sulfonic acid groups in the composite membranes. The thermal stability and ionic conductivity of the polymer membranes have been greatly varied upon the addition of AlO[OH](n). Although the PVDF-HFP/Nafion/AlO[OH](n) composite membranes have moderate protonic conductivity it has lower methanol permeability and may be considered as a candidate for DMFC applications. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.