Article
Polymer Science
Rosalin Rath, Piyush Kumar, Lakshmi Unnikrishnan, Smita Mohanty, Sanjay K. K. Nayak
Summary: The aim of this study is to fabricate a ternary hybrid nanocomposite membrane by incorporating low-cost silane functionalized silica nanoparticles (AMPS) into the mixture of Nafion and PVDF-co-HFP, followed by sulfonation. The physicochemical characterizations confirmed the hydrophilic and ion exchange properties of the sulfonated PVDF-co-HFP-AMPS-Nafion (SPAN) membranes. These unique SPAN membranes exhibit improved proton conductivities and optimum methanol permeability, making them suitable for methanol fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weiqi Li, Cong Xu, Tianyi Xiong, Yanan Jiang, Wenjie Ma, Ping Yu, Lanqun Mao
Summary: Proton conductors are of great interest in energy production, and graphdiyne oxide (GDYO) has been found to have the highest proton conductivity among oxidized carbon allotropes reported so far. The carbon structure of GDYO allows for high water uptake, resulting in increased proton concentration and conduction pathways, leading to ultrahigh proton conductivity. This has been demonstrated in a methanol fuel cell using GDYO membrane, which showed improved performance compared to commercial Nafion 117.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pengfei Yang, Linlin Xu, Panagiotis Trogadas, Marc-Olivier Coppens, Yang Lan
Summary: By incorporating cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]) into sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) matrix, inspired by the proton conduction mechanism of bacteriorhodopsin, hybrid proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with enhanced proton conductivity are fabricated. The CB[n] carbonyl groups serve as proton-conducting sites, while the host-guest interaction between CB[n] and water molecules offers additional proton conducting pathways. The hybrid membranes exhibit significantly improved proton conductivity and superior fuel cell performance.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kyungwhan Min, Abu Zafar Al Munsur, Sae Yane Paek, Soomin Jeon, So Young Lee, Tae-Hyun Kim
Summary: By coating N-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with hydrophilic functional groups on Nafion-212 membrane, the morphology and ionic conductivity of the membrane are improved and hydrogen permeability is reduced. The Nafion membrane coated with 0.75 wt % of N-doped CQD (CQD-cNafion-0.75) exhibits better mechanical properties, higher oxidation stability, higher ionic conductivity of 240.3 mS cm-1 at 80 degrees C, and a reduction in hydrogen permeability (about 10%) compared to Nafion-212. In addition, the performance of single-cell PEMWE using the CQD-cNafion-0.75 membrane is approximately 1.2 times higher than Nafion-212.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ya-Ru Liu, Yi-Yang Chen, Qi Zhuang, Gang Li
Summary: This review introduces the strategy of introducing proton-conducting MOFs with performance advantages into the PEM system and summarizes the properties of mixed-matrix membranes and PEMs formed by MOFs. It focuses on preparation strategies, stability, proton conductive properties, proton conduction mechanisms, and structure-activity relationship. The review highlights the prospects and challenges of future research.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dongming Cheng, Mengxi Wei, Bo Li, Zhixin Gao, Yong-Hui Wang, Hong-Ying Zang, Yang-Guang Li
Summary: This study developed a simple and feasible method to synthesize a new proton-conductive material, amorphous chromium oxyhydroxide (CrO(OH)·xH2O), with high water absorption and ultra-high proton conductivity. Applying CrO(OH)·xH2O to proton exchange membranes showed proton conductivity comparable to Nafion, indicating a promising new pathway for efficient proton conductors using metal oxyhydroxides.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hejin Huang, Zhen Cao, Karim R. Gadelrab, Jonathan P. Mailoa, Alfredo Alexander-Katz
Summary: Nafion, a commonly used material for PEFC, faces dehydration and dimensional instability issues in high-temperature, low-humidity environments. This paper proposes a potential solution by introducing nanoscale confinements to Nafion chains. It is found that dual chemistry confinement, consisting of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic confinements, can improve water absorption behavior and reduce dimensional instability of the Nafion membrane.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yichen Yin, Sijia Liu, Yang Yang, Dian Gong, Minghao Liu, Guojuan Liu, Ping Wu, Qing Xu, Chengbing Yu, Gaofeng Zeng
Summary: Water electrolysis is a promising method for producing non-fossil fuel derived H2, and medium temperature water (steam) electrolysis (100-350 degrees C) has great potential due to its reduced energy consumption and utilization of low-grade waste heat. However, the performance of proton conductive membranes presents a challenge. In this study, a PVC-PEI hybrid membrane was developed by cross-linking PVC and PEI, and the integrated nitrogen-containing groups of PEI enhanced the adsorption and loading rate of phosphoric acid, thereby providing proton conductivity for the hybrid membrane. The optimized PVC-PEI membrane achieved a maximum proton conductivity of 4.3 x 10-2 S cm-1 at 180 degrees C and exhibited long-term conductivity stability for 200 hours at 140 degrees C. The PVC-PEI membrane electrode assembly showed high water electrolysis reactivity in the range of 100-180 degrees C with a commercial IrO2 anode and Pt/C cathode, and demonstrated reliable stability for water electrolysis at 140 degrees C.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiao-Qian Xu, Li-Hui Cao, Yan Yang, Fang Zhao, Xiang-Tian Bai, Shuang-Quan Zang
Summary: In this study, high-performance proton exchange hybrid membranes were established by doping high proton-conducting iHOFs into the Nafion matrix for PEMFC applications. The synergistic effect of iHOFs and Nafion significantly improved the proton conductivity of the composite membranes, leading to enhanced power and current density values in fuel cell performance tests. Adjusting the sulfonic group positions on naphthalene disulfonic acid compounds allowed for the successful synthesis of iHOFs with different types of hydrogen bonds, providing a practical approach for future development in portable power generation.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ekaterina Yu. Safronova, Polina A. Yurova, Amir M. Ashrafi, Aleksandr V. Chernyak, Andrey V. Khoroshilov, Andrey B. Yaroslavtsev
Summary: The use of ultrasonic treatment combined with SiO2 nanoparticles in PFSA solutions can optimize the performance of hybrid membranes by improving water uptake and proton conductivity.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Y. Prykhodko, K. Fatyeyeva, L. Hespel, S. Marais
Summary: Over 50% of energy is currently produced by burning non-renewable fossil fuels, leading to the release of greenhouse gases and environmental pollution. As a result, research on renewable energy sources, storage, and energy transformation devices has become increasingly important in recent years. Fuel cells, particularly proton exchange membrane fuel cells, are considered a promising energy device with ongoing developments in membrane technology.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Preeti Waribam, Kanticha Jaiyen, Chanatip Samart, Makoto Ogawa, Guoqing Guan, Suwadee Kongparakul
Summary: This study developed a hybrid composite proton exchange membrane (PEM) for proton transfer in water electrolysis. The addition of MXene-Cu2O composite promoted the oxidative stability of the composite PEM, improving the efficiency and hydrogen production. This provides a potential choice for the application of water electrolysis technology.
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanjing Zhang, Yingxu Song, Dandan Chen, Qifeng Jin, Jinyao Chen, Ya Cao
Summary: In this paper, a unique hybrid proton exchange membrane (PEM) made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and quaternized polyethyleneimine (QPEI) for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is presented. The membrane utilizes QPEI as an anchoring agent to enhance compatibility at the organic-inorganic interface and reduce the leakage of phosphotungstic acid (PWA), the proton conductor. The PEM exhibits excellent proton conductivity and methanol permeability properties, making it a promising alternative to Nafion (R) for DMFC applications.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Kai-ming Zhang, Yu-ling Lou, Feng-yun He, Hai-bao Duan, Xin-qi Huang, Ying Fan, Hai-rong Zhao
Summary: The synthesized 1D open framework inorganic-organic hybrid metal phosphate compound showed high stability in storage, aqua and thermal conditions, as well as significant temperature and humidity dependent proton conductivity. It can be potentially used for proton conducting materials research.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuaijun Yu, Hao Qian, Junbin Liao, Jun Dong, Lu Yu, Chunhong Liu, Jiangnan Shen
Summary: This study focuses on preparing asymmetric AEM with improved proton blocking performance by modifying PVDF-co-HFP and crosslinking, which results in increased electrical efficiency and reduced energy consumption for acid recovery processes. The optimized AEM demonstrates significant acid concentration values in concentrate cell and low energy consumption compared to commercial AEMs.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Ae Rhan Kim, Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Min Ho Song, Jae-Young Lee, Hong-Ki Lee, Dong Jin Yoo
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2020)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zonghua Pu, Tingting Liu, Gaixia Zhang, Hariprasad Ranganathan, Zhangxing Chen, Shuhui Sun
Summary: This review discusses the OER mechanism in acidic conditions and summarizes recent advances in the development of several types of acid-stable OER catalysts. Current key issues and future challenges have been identified, along with proposed potential future directions for materials used as acidic OER catalysis.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Ae Rhan Kim, S. Ramakrishnan, Yeon-Tae Yu, Dong Jin Yoo
Summary: Nafion/SO3H-UGNF composite membrane shows enhanced physiochemical, thermomechanical, and electrochemical properties, with the optimized membrane achieving high power output and durability in high-temperature HAFCs, providing valuable insights for potential Nafion composites design and optimization.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sung Kwan Ryu, Ae Rhan Kim, Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Kyu Ha Lee, Ji Young Chu, Dong Jin Yoo
Summary: The integration of phosphotungstic acid and graphene oxide into sulfonated poly(arylene ether) resulted in a composite membrane with high thermal stability and proton conductivity, showing promising potential for PEM fuel cell applications.
Article
Thermodynamics
Sung Kwan Ryu, Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Ae Rhan Kim, Dong Jin Yoo
Summary: By changing the type and stoichiometry of feed gas, as well as adjusting the operating temperature, the maximum power density of a PEMFC system can be increased. Higher temperature and oxygen diffusion rate enhance the reaction kinetics of electrodes and membrane, reducing mass-transfer resistance and improving PEMFC performance.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ae Rhan Kim, Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Kyu Ha Lee, Ji Young Chu, Byung-Hyun Park, Myung-Kwan Han, Dong Jin Yoo
Summary: The study prepared a series of composite membranes by doping different proportions of S-An-TiO2, revealing that 15wt% S-An-TiO2 significantly enhanced the performance of the composite membrane. Under continuous 60°C and 20% relative humidity conditions, the 1.5 wt% SDBC/S-An-TiO2 composite membrane exhibited high current output, power output, and durability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Ae Rhan Kim, Sung Kwan Ryu, Dong Jin Yoo
Summary: This study reported the synthesis of a novel hybrid material, sulfonated carbon nanotubes-sulfonated unzipped carbon nanotubes (SCNTs-SUCNTs), which showed enhanced surface area and increased density of sulfonic acid groups. The resulting composite membrane exhibited promising thermal, mechanical, and oxidative stabilities, as well as satisfactory physicochemical performances. Under 20% relative humidity, the Nafion/SCNTs-SUCNTs composite membrane achieved reliable proton conductivity and durability at 60 degrees C.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hariprasad Ranganathan, Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Ae Rhan Kim, Vijayapradeep Subramanian, Min-Suk Oh, Dong Jin Yoo
Summary: This study incorporated CeO2-ATiO(2) as a bifunctional filler in SPEEK, resulting in a nanocomposite membrane with improved performance. The addition of CeO2-ATiO(2) enhanced the proton conductivity of SPEEK under low humidity conditions. The SPEEK/CeO2-ATiO(2) nanocomposite membranes demonstrated improved physicochemical and thermomechanical properties, as well as excellent durability and enhanced electrochemical performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Ae Rhan Kim, Milan Babu Poudel, Ji Young Chu, Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Ramasamy Santhosh Kumar, Natarajan Logeshwaran, Byung-Hyun Park, Myung-Kwan Han, Dong Jin Yoo
Summary: A quaternized poly (arylene ether sulfone) (QNPAES) was synthesized and a blended membrane composed of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) was developed. The mechanical strength, proton conductivity, and physicochemical properties of the mixed membrane were significantly improved by adding an appropriate amount of QNPAES (6 wt%). The PEMFC performance and durability of the mixed membrane were also greatly enhanced at 20% RH.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Edzordzi Kwame Gikunoo, Dabin Han, Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Sangaraju Shanmugam
Summary: Low-cost, durable, and high-performance membranes are urgently needed for zinc bromine redox flow battery (ZBFB) applications. By incorporating perovskite-structured cerium titanate nanoparticles dispersed on smooth carbon nanofibers (p-CT/CNF) with varying carbon content into the polymer matrix, the sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone), SPEEK, backbone is protected, the crossover of active species is reduced, and the selectivity of the composite membrane is improved. Additionally, with a nanofiller loading of 0.5 wt%, the SP-p-CT350 membrane demonstrates stable battery performance across 500 cycles at a current density of 40 mA cm-2, with an outstanding energy efficiency of 81.13%.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Terry R. Willson, Carlos A. Giron Rodriguez, Qiucheng Xu, Jordan Frow, Fabrizia Foglia, Keenan Smith, Ravikumar Ravikumar, Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Najet Mahmoudi, Ihtasham Salam, Arun Prakash Periasamy, Daniel K. Whelligan, Mohamed Mamlouk, Hungyen Lin, Brian Seger, John R. Varcoe
Summary: This study demonstrates that reducing the excess of amine reagent can lead to the fabrication of sustainable MPIP-RG-AEM. However, the reduced water content and lower ionic conductivity of MPIP-RG-AEM were observed. It was also found that the water management in CO2 electrolysis was affected and led to a significant change in performance when using MPIP-RG-AEM made with a controlled excess of amine.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Byungrak Son, Sangaraju Shanmugam
Summary: This study presents the use of carbon nitride-gadolinium zirconium oxide (gC(3)N(4)-Gd2Zr2O7) as an additive to improve the power density and lifetime of Nafion in high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (HT-PEFCs). The Nafion/gC(3)N(4)-Gd2Zr2O7 composite membrane exhibits high water uptake, oxidative stability, and thermomechanical stability, resulting in significantly higher power density and lower voltage decay compared to commercial Nafion and pristine Nafion membranes. This research provides valuable insights into the development of advanced Nafion composite membranes for HT-PEFCs.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohanraj Vinothkannan, Ae Rhan Kim, Dong Jin Yoo
Summary: Research efforts are focused on improving the proton conductivity and other properties of Nafion membranes used in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells by incorporating carbon nanomaterial (CN)-based fillers. Despite many achievements, a comprehensive summary of these fillers is still rare.
