2P-298 : Incorporation of ACNTs in SPEEK matrix ameliorates electrochemical power density, durability in proton exchange membrane fuel cells working with low relative humidity

Amine functionalized carbon nanotubes (ANCTs) are employed as the potential proton conducting material in the sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) matrix. ACNTs tubular like backbone structure make Π-Π stacking with SPEEK aromatic chains; thereby provide extended mechanical strength. Whereas, amino functional groups on surface of ACNTs generate acid-base interactions with sulfonic groups on SPEEK chains, which improves the proton conductivity under low relative humidity. The structural, morphological, physiochemical and electrochemical properties of SPEEK/ACNTs and were explored and compared the obtained results with bare SPEEK. The proton conductivity of SPEEK/ACNTs is found to be few fold better that of bare SPEEK under 20% RH. Consequently, the PEMFC performance of SPEEK/ACNTs is observed to be better than that of bare SPEEK under 20% RH at 60℃. While operate the long-term PEMFC durability around 50 h under identical condition, the SPEEK/ACNTs retain reasonable voltage.