Polyvinyl Alcohol/Nafion®–Zirconia Phosphate Nanocomposite Membranes for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Applications: Synthesis and Characterisation

Sigwadi R, Nemavhola F

Membranes

University of South Africa, Durban University of Technology

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study reports the development and characterization of Nafion®/polyvinyl alcohol–zirconia phosphate (PVA–ZrP) nanocomposite membranes synthesized via solvent recasting and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. The composite membranes demonstrated enhanced proton conductivity (0.19 S/cm), thermal stability, and water uptake (59%) relative to commercial Nafion® 117 membranes. Structural analyses (FTIR, SEM, and XRD) confirmed homogenous nanoparticle dispersion and strong PVA–ZrP interfacial bonding, while TGA results showed improved decomposition resistance up to 340 °C. These enhancements, combined with reduced methanol permeability, position the Nafion®/PVA–ZrP membranes as cost-effective and durable alternatives for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications.

A CellScale UStretch system was used to perform uniaxial tensile testing on PVA-ZrP and Nafion®/PVA-ZrP nanocomposite membranes to quantify their mechanical strength and elasticity. Membrane strips were subjected to controlled tensile loading at multiple strain rates to capture rate-dependent mechanical behavior and calculate Young’s modulus and maximum stress. CellScale-based tensile measurements demonstrated that zirconia phosphate reinforcement and chemical crosslinking significantly increased membrane stiffness and load-bearing capacity relative to commercial Nafion® 117. These mechanical data were critical for validating the membranes’ suitability for fuel cell environments requiring dimensional stability and mechanical durability.

AUTHORS

Rudzani Sigwadi, Fulufhelo Nemavhola.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Membranes

YEAR

2023

INSTITUTIONS

University of South Africa, Durban University of Technology

COUNTRIES

South Africa

INSTRUMENT USED

UStretch

TESTING METHODS

Tensile Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Membranes and Thin Films MechanicsPolymers and Elastomers Testing

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