Effect of La2Ce2O7on the Physicochemical Properties of Phosphoric Acid Doped Polybenzimidazole Nanocomposite Membranes for High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Applications

In this study, polybenzimidazole (PBI)/La 2 Ce 2 O 7 nanocomposite membranes (PLCs) based on various amounts of nano-sized La 2 Ce 2 O 7 were synthesized and have been investigated with a view to developing a novel electrolyte for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The PLCs as novel proton conducting membranes have been prepared by dispersion of nano-sized La 2 Ce 2 O 7 into a polybenzimidazole membrane with solution casting method and characterized by a thermal analysis and structural view. The nanocomposite membranes were also studied using AC impedance spectroscopy (IS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The highest phosphoric acid uptake (153%) and proton conductivity (0.093 S/cm at 180°C in dry condition) were observed for the PBI nanocomposite membranes containing 4 wt% of La 2 Ce 2 O 7 nanoparticles. The polarization and power curves for the membrane were also studied at 100, 150 and 180°C. The PLC showed 0.43 W/cm 2 power density and 0.85 A / cm 2 current density in 0.5 V at 180°C in dry condition. The results obtained from our studies showed the enhanced physicochemical properties of the novel nanocomposites for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells.