<p>Chitosan, a natural polymer, is gaining attention for its low cost, hydrophilicity, and environmental benefits, making it a promising material for polyelectrolyte membranes (PEMs) in fuel cells (FCs). In this study, four membranes were fabricated using sulfonated chitosan combined with three sulfonated nanoparticles: sulfonated titanium dioxide (STiO<sub>2</sub>), sulfonated silicon dioxide (SSiO<sub>2</sub>), and sulfonated carbon nanotubes (SCNT) in varying ratios. The optimal membrane was prepared using a specific ratio of these components, cross-linked with 0.5% glutaraldehyde. While the electrochemical performance improved with increasing nanoparticle ratios, excessive nanoparticle content led to diminished results. The optimal membrane demonstrated excellent stability at 50&#xa0;°C, achieving a maximum power density of 90 mW/cm<sup>2</sup> at 280 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> and a low cell resistance of 5.1 Ω cm<sup>2</sup>. Compared to the chitosan (CS)-based membranes in the literature, the optimal membrane exhibited superior ion exchange capacity, proton conductivity, mechanical stability, and lower water uptake, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and high-performance proton exchange membrane in fuel cell applications.</p>

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Innovative sulfonated chitosan membranes: bridging the gap in fuel cell technology

  • Sara G. Abd-elnaeem,
  • Azza I. Hafez,
  • Kamel M. El-khatib,
  • Heba Abdallah,
  • M. K. Fouad,
  • E. F. Abadir

摘要

Chitosan, a natural polymer, is gaining attention for its low cost, hydrophilicity, and environmental benefits, making it a promising material for polyelectrolyte membranes (PEMs) in fuel cells (FCs). In this study, four membranes were fabricated using sulfonated chitosan combined with three sulfonated nanoparticles: sulfonated titanium dioxide (STiO2), sulfonated silicon dioxide (SSiO2), and sulfonated carbon nanotubes (SCNT) in varying ratios. The optimal membrane was prepared using a specific ratio of these components, cross-linked with 0.5% glutaraldehyde. While the electrochemical performance improved with increasing nanoparticle ratios, excessive nanoparticle content led to diminished results. The optimal membrane demonstrated excellent stability at 50 °C, achieving a maximum power density of 90 mW/cm2 at 280 mA/cm2 and a low cell resistance of 5.1 Ω cm2. Compared to the chitosan (CS)-based membranes in the literature, the optimal membrane exhibited superior ion exchange capacity, proton conductivity, mechanical stability, and lower water uptake, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and high-performance proton exchange membrane in fuel cell applications.