Effect of La2Ce2O7 on the Physicochemical Properties of Phosphoric Acid Doped Polybenzimidazole Nanocomposite Membranes for High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Applications

In this study, polybenzimidazole (PBI)/La2Ce2O7 nanocomposite membranes (PLCs) based on various amounts of nano-sized La2Ce2O7 were synthesized and have been investigated with a view to developing a novel electrolyte for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The PLCs as novel proton conducting membranes have been prepared by dispersion of nano-sized La2Ce2O7 into a polybenzimidazole membrane with solution casting method and characterized by a thermal analysis and structural view. The nanocomposite membranes were also studied using AC impedance spectroscopy (IS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The highest phosphoric acid uptake (153%) and proton conductivity (0.093 S/cm at 180 degrees C in dry condition) were observed for the PBI nanocomposite membranes containing 4 wt% of La2Ce2O7 nanoparticles. The polarization and power curves for the membrane were also studied at 100, 150 and 180 degrees C. The PLC showed 0.43 W/cm(2) power density and 0.85 A/cm(2) current density in 0.5 V at 180 degrees C in dry condition. The results obtained from our studies showed the enhanced physicochemical properties of the novel nanocomposites for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. (C) 2014 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.