Hybrid polymer electrolytes Nafion-TiO 2 for PEMFCs: synthesis and characterization

Nafion based hybrid membranes containing titanium dioxide (TiO 2) nano particle was synthesized and characterized. Nafion-TiO 2 membranes were produced by using in-situ sol-gel technique on Nafion membrane at room tempreture. Commercial Nafion membrane was impregnated in Titan tetraisopropoxide (TIP) and then treated in micro-wave. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows the crystallization of TiO 2 in anatase phase. The Infrared spectroscopy IR spectrum of hybrid membranes Nafion-titanium dioxide confirm the presence of bonds Ti-O-Ti 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 interaction between the organic and inorganic phase is favorable for the improvement of the thermal stability of the hybrid membrane. The nano-TiO 2 film can be used to reduce the cross-over permeation of fuel through the PEM and increase electric power of the Fuel cells .