Preparation of Electrospun Styrofoam Membranes for Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Abstract:

This research reported on the preparation of proton exchange membranes from electronic and food packaging waste composed of Styrofoam. Polymeric Solution of 25 wt. % Styrofoam dissolved in an acidic mixture (DMF: THF at 70:30 volumetric ratio) were prepared. Polymeric membranes were fabricated by electrospinning. The effect of MgO NPs addition to polymeric solution was studied. Before sulfonation reaction, SEM results showed a clear reduction in average fiber diameters from (1.5-2) µm to (0.5-1) µm after addition of 0.04 wt.% MgO NPs. After sulfonation reaction by 35% diluted sulfuric acid, SEM results show an increase in average fiber diameters from (0.5-1) µm to (2-2.5) µm. This increase may be correlated to hydrophilic behavior results from incorporation of (-SO₃H) to aromatic ring. FTIR analysis indicates the presence of new peaks related to sulfonic acid group (SO₃H) attachment to polymeric chain. Proton conductivity as well as water uptake in membranes increased with increasing MgO NPs percentage.

• Periodical: Defect and Diffusion Forum (Volume 433)
• Pages: 47-56
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-Zgz7i3
• Online since: June 2024
• Authors: Noor Mohammed Jalal*, Dakheel Zainab Abdali, Shaker Mahmood Roaa
• Keywords: Electrospun Membranes, Proton Conductivity, Styrofoam, Sulfonation

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