Composite short side chain PFSA membranes for PEM water electrolysis

Abstract Nanocomposite membranes based on electrospun polysulfone fibre web and short-side-chain Aquivion® perfluorosulfonic acid have been prepared for application in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. The nanocomposite membranes showed improved mechanical properties and dimensional stability with respect to their non-reinforced counterparts even at low fibre content (5 wt%) maintaining high proton conductivity. The composite membranes prepared with Aquivion® with EW of 830 g eq −1 are suitable for water electrolysis: in particular the I-V curve given by a membrane electrode assembly comprising the reinforced membrane was similar to that obtained with a non-modified one. Moreover, the nanofibrous polymer component was effective in lowering hydrogen crossover at differential pressures of 0.25 MPa.