Dynamical characterization of a multicomponent membrane for energy applications

Proton exchange membranes are essential components of devices where it is required to transport H+ while blocking the flow of other ions and molecules used as reactants. Research is under way to develop alternative membrane systems, including materials that can be combined with Nafion to enhance the performance. Graphene oxide (GO) is an electrically conducting layered nanomaterial related to graphene. It is been found that introducing ~1% gCN into Nafion/SPEEK PEMFC membranes enhances H+ conduction due to formation of acid-base pairs involving the N/NH sites. GO/gCN nanocomposites combine high electronic and ionic conductivity while preserving the catalytic properties. Our goal is to integrate these structures with Nafion membranes for next generation electrochemical devices for energy applications.