Improving durability and efficiency in passive direct ethanol fuel cells using a biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol/epoxidized natural rubber membrane.

Wani, Ajaz Ahmad; Zakaria, Zulfirdaus; Othman, Nadras; Shuib, Raa Khimi; Shaari, Norazuwana; Yusof, Nurul Hayati

In this study, a novel biodegradable polymer electrolyte membrane with reduced fuel crossover, high selectivity, and high conductivity compared with Nafion 117 membrane in direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) has been reported. Herein, polyvinyl alcohol/epoxidized natural rubber (PVA/ENR) blend membranes were synthesized via a simple solution casting method and applied in DEFCs. The structural and physicochemical features of the PVA/ENR blend membranes were examined using FESEM, FTIR, XRD, water absorption, ethanol uptake, swelling ratio and oxidative stability. ENR enhances the chemical, structural, and mechanical characteristics of PVA, making it a valuable material in fuel cell applications. The incorporation of ENR into the PVA matrix results in a compact morphology, excessive multifunctional groups, low fuel crossover, and high selectivity. The optimum membrane thickness achieves the highest selectivity, reaching up to 12.32 × 104 S s cm−3 at 30°C. Additionally, the maximum power density achieved is 19.52 mW cm−2, surpassing that of the Nafion membrane, which is only 14.55 mW cm−2 at 90°C. Furthermore, this biodegradable membrane can sustain operation for 1000 h at 90°C, owing to its ability to maintain hydration for an extended period. This study represents the first attempt to combine PVA and ENR in fuel cells.

DIRECT ethanol fuel cells; FUEL cells; POLYMERIC membranes; POLYVINYL alcohol; RUBBER

Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2024, Vol 141, Issue 41, p1

0021-8995

Academic Journal

10.1002/app.56083