Fabrication and electro chemical properties of poly vinyl alcohol/para toluene sulfonic acid membranes for the applications of DMFC

The novel acid-base membranes composed of para toluene sulfonic acid (pTSA) as an acidic compound, and poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) as a basic compound were fabricated. The morphological and structural properties of the prepared membranes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and Infra red spectroscopy. Inclusion of Glutaraldehyde (GLA) and para toluene sulfonic acid (pTSA) promotes the amorphous character of a polymer which causes the free volume for the movement of ions. Thermal and mechanical stability of the acid-base membranes were influenced by the crosslinking agent glutaraldehyde. By the suitable charge carriers of pTSA, hydrophilic channels were promoted for the composite membranes which ensure the ionic conductivity. A high ionic conductivity-methanol permeability selectivity ratio obtained for the prepared PVA/pTSA membrane influences its viable application in direct methanol fuel cells. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.