Structural characterization of a new multicomponent membrane (gCN/PTI mixed with Nafion) for energy applications.

Proton exchange membranes are essential components of devices where is required to transport H+ while blocking the flow of other ions and molecules used as reactants. The most common ionomeric material is Nafion, which has excellent H+ conductivity, despite having poor selectivity against other ions and small molecules. It is been found that introducing ~1% gCN (graphitic carbon nitrides) into Nafion/SPEEK membranes enhances H+ conduction. We propose to use neutron scattering to investigate the effects of gCN materials co-deposited with Nafion on the membrane structure that will be correlate with the transport properties. Our studies will provide a first direct evaluation of the effects of GO and gCN/PTI 2D nanomaterials incorporated in ionomer membrane structures for fuel cell and other energy conversion/storage applications.