New Generation Fuel Cell Membrane Using Swift Heavy Ions

Abstract

In this review, we focus on the effect of high energy swift heavy ion irradiation on fluoropolymers and their nanohybrids, prepared through dispersion of few weight percentage of organically modified nanoclay in polymer matrix, for the fabrication of new generation fuel cell membrane. A variety of chemical, physical and structural changes are revealed with superior properties in nanohybrid. In addition, radiation resistant nature of the polymer has been discussed with improved properties including formation of nanopores and high proton conductivity of the functionalized nanopores having sufficient mechanical strength which are essential requirements for any fuel cell membrane. Membrane electrode assembly has been demonstrated having very good power density and the developed membrane has the potential to replace the expensive Nafion as standard membrane currently being used in fuel cell membrane. Further, nanoclay induced piezoelectricity in polymer matrix is attractive for the fabrication of a smart membrane using swift heavy ions. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim