A novel proton conductive membrane (PCM)

A family of novel proton-conducting membranes (PCMs) has been prepared from low-cost, thermally stable materials and has been preliminarily characterized. These PCMs consist of electronic nonconductive nano-size ceramic powder, polymer binder and an acid. They have the appearance of plastic, good mechanical properties, nanosize pores (typically smaller then 1.5-3 nm) filled with the acid, and room-temperature conductivity of up to 0.21 Scm -1 (twice that of Nafion). Their thickness ranges from 30 to 1000 μm. These PCMs are considered to be excellent and low-cost candidates for many electrochemical applications including: fuel cells, electrolyzers, supercapacitors, sensors and batteries.