Elaboration and characterization of hybrid polymer electrolytes Nafion–TiO2 for PEMFCs

Abstract Nafion hybrid membrane containing titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nano-particles were elaborated by in situ sol–gel technique. Micro wave treatment was used during hybrid elaboration to 2 h. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows the crystallization of TiO 2 in anatase and rutile phases. The Infrared spectroscopy IR spectrum of hybrid membranes Nafion–TiO 2 confirm the presence of bonds Ti–O and Ti–OH which proves that the hybridization of the membrane by sol–gel method is successful. Atomic Force Microscopy AFM confirmed the good dispersion of TiO 2 nano-particles. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and solvent uptake measurements suggest the enhancement of the membrane performance.