Proton conducting properties of nanocomposite membranes of chitosan

Abstract Nanocomposite membranes of chitosan prepared in our earlier paper (see Ref. [1] ) by incorporating different concentrations of Preyssler type heteropolyacid, H 14 [NaP 5 W 30 O 110 ] (H 14 -P 5 ) nanoparticles have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TGA) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Proton conductivity data of these membranes measured at varying temperatures have shown a systematic improvement in proton conductivity over that of the nascent chitosan membrane. Arrhenius activation parameter values obtained have been discussed in terms of the conduction transport mechanisms.