Nafion/ZSM-5 Hybrid Material as Proton Exchange Membranes for DMFC Application

Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) has been considered as a highly efficient power source for portable devices like cell phones, computers and vehicles. In order to achieve high power density, high methanol concentration is necessary. One of the main drawbacks of DMFCs applications is methanol crossover through proton-exchange membrane, which lowers down the cell potential, deactivates the cathode catalyst and therefore exerts a negative influence on the cell performance.
In this study, the Nafion/ZSM-5 composite membranes were prepared by solution cast method using DE520 NafionR dispersion in N,N’-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and ZSM-5 of different particle sizes. The composite membranes were characterized by proton conductivity, MeOH permeability, and SEM. The composite membrane showed lower methanol permeability and higher selectivity than casting Nafion membrane.