Sulfo ethyl cellulose/ Nafion composite for high‐temperature proton exchange membrane

This study investigated the potential enhancement of proton conductivity in Nafion membranes through the incorporation of sulfo ethyl cellulose (SEC) at varying weight ratios (5 and 10 wt.%). Results indicated that increasing the weight ratio of SEC led to improvements in water absorption, activation energy, and proton conductivity within the composite membranes. Specifically,the composite membrane exhibited a significant increase in proton conductivity, reaching up to 170 mS cm1, in contrast to the pristine Nafion membrane which recorded 40.08 mS cm1 , particularly at temperatures exceeding 120C. At the sub-molecular level, Fourier transfer inferred spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of Nafion/SEC membranes unveiled cross-linking interactions occurring between the sulfo acid groups of Nafion chains and the hydroxyls within the SEC matrix. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) findings of the composite membranes were instrumental in identifying crystalline phases, orientation, and structural features. The results indicated variations in atomic radius and alterations in lattice parameters at the nanoscale, induced by heightened surface forces resulting from the inclusion of SEC in the Nafion matrix.

Research article

Khaled Charradi
Zoubaida Landolsi
Thomas Heinze
Ameni Brahmia
Radhouane Chtourou
Sherif M. A. S. Keshk

This study investigated the potential enhancement of proton conductivity in Nafion membranes through the incorporation of sulfo ethyl cellulose (SEC) at varying weight ratios (5 and 10 wt.%). Results indicated that increasing the weight ratio of SEC led to improvements in water absorption, activation energy, and proton conductivity within the composite membranes. Specifically,the composite membrane exhibited a significant increase in proton conductivity, reaching up to 170 mS cm1, in contrast to the pristine Nafion membrane which recorded 40.08 mS cm1 , particularly at temperatures exceeding 120C. At the sub-molecular level, Fourier transfer inferred spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of Nafion/SEC membranes unveiled cross-linking interactions occurring between the sulfo acid groups of Nafion chains and the hydroxyls within the SEC matrix. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) findings of the composite membranes were instrumental in identifying crystalline phases, orientation, and structural features. The results indicated variations in atomic radius and alterations in lattice parameters at the nanoscale, induced by heightened surface forces resulting from the inclusion of SEC in the Nafion matrix.

Publication date
2024-05-04
Journal / proceedings
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
141
Issue
29
Article number
e55665
DOI
10.1002/app.55665

Related expertise

Advanced Materials & NanotechnologyClean Energy & Hydrogen
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Citation

Khaled Charradi; Zoubaida Landolsi; Thomas Heinze; Ameni Brahmia; Radhouane Chtourou; Sherif M. A. S. Keshk. 2024-05-04. Sulfo ethyl cellulose/ Nafion composite for high‐temperature proton exchange membrane. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.55665

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Prof. Sherif M. A. S. Keshk
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Prof. Sherif M. A. S. Keshk

Senior Researcher in Polymer Materials, Nanocomposites and Sustainable Materials Engineering

Sherif Keshk specialises in polymer materials, nanocomposites and sustainable materials engineering.

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Affiliations as published
Khaled Charradi: Nanomaterials and Systems for Renewable Energy Laboratory Research and Technology Center of Energy, Technoparc Borje Cedria Hammam Lif Tunisia
Zoubaida Landolsi: Nanomaterials and Systems for Renewable Energy Laboratory Research and Technology Center of Energy, Technoparc Borje Cedria Hammam Lif Tunisia
Thomas Heinze: Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Centre of Excellence for Polysaccharide Research Jena Germany
Ameni Brahmia: Department of Chemistry College of Science, King Khalid University Abha Saudi Arabia
Radhouane Chtourou: Nanomaterials and Systems for Renewable Energy Laboratory Research and Technology Center of Energy, Technoparc Borje Cedria Hammam Lif Tunisia
Sherif M. A. S. Keshk: Become: Technology, Science AI & Automation Lab Paris France
ISSN
0021-8995, 1097-4628

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Prof. Sherif M. A. S. Keshk
ExpertScientist

Prof. Sherif M. A. S. Keshk

Senior Researcher in Polymer Materials, Nanocomposites and Sustainable Materials Engineering

Sherif Keshk specialises in polymer materials, nanocomposites and sustainable materials engineering.

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