(690a) Influence of Sulfated Zirconia-Doped Nafion Composite Membrane On Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Performance

Fuel cells are an attractive alternative to many energy conversion/storage devices. In recent years, due to the system simplicity, easy handling of liquid methanol and high specific energy (3800kcal/L)compared to H2 (658kcal/L at 360atm) direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are being recognized as one of the most attractive power sources for portable devices such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, etc. Nafion membrane doped with superacid Sulfated Zirconia (S-ZrO2) was synthesized to enhance performance. The properties of composite membrane are compared with that of undoped Nafion membrane prepared by the same recasting technique and commercially available Nafion115 membrane. Conductivity results revealed enhancement in proton conductivity of composite membrane. This confirms that the additive, in virtue of both its acidity and hydrophilicity, promotes proton transport. Fuel cell with composite membrane delivered, power density (120mW/cm2) when compared to Nafion115 membrane power density (90mW/cm2).