Sodium-alginate-based Proton-exchange Membranes As Electrolytes For DMFCs

Content Provider	Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Author	Mohanapriya, S. Bhat, S. D. Sahu, A. K. Manokaran, A. Vijayakumar, R. Pitchumani, S. Sridhar, P. Shukla, A. K.
Copyright Year	2010
Abstract	Novel mixed-matrix membranes prepared by blending sodium alginate (NaAlg) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and certain heteropolyacids (HPAs), such as phosphomolybdic acid (PMoA), phosphotungstic acid (PWA) and silicotungstic acid (SWA), followed by ex-situ cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GA) to achieve the desired mechanical and chemical stability, are reported for use as electrolytes in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). NaAlg-PVA-HPA mixed matrices possess a polymeric network with micro-domains that restrict methanol cross-over. The mixed-matrix membranes are characterised for their mechanical and thermal properties. Methanol cross-over rates across NaAlg-PVA and NaAlg-PVA-HPA mixed-matrix membranes are studied by measuring the mass balance of methanol using a density meter. The DMFC using NaAlg-PVA-SWA exhibits a peak power-density of 68 mW cm(-2) at a load current-density of 225 mA cm(-2), while operating at 343 K. The rheological properties of NaAlg and NaAlg-PVA-SWA viscous solutions are studied and their behaviour validated by a non-Newtonian power-law.
File Format	PDF
Journal	PeerReviewed
Language	English
Publisher	Royal Society of Chemistry
Publisher Date	2010-01-01
Access Restriction	Authorized
Subject Keyword	Solid State & Structural Chemistry Unit
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article