Experimental Investigation of PVC Composite Membrane for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

Abstract: Now day Fuel cells have received a lot of attention for alternative energy compared to fossil fuel-based energy sources. On various types of composite ion-exchange membranes, the latest initiative is observed with organic and inorganic membranes to overcome the limitations. In this view, a composite membrane comprising PVC combined with titanium dioxide and zirconium oxide represents a new class of ion-exchange materials that may be prepared. It connects physic-chemical characteristics of inorganic parts within a single composite. A composite ion exchange membrane was synthesized with 1g of composite material mixed thoroughly. The ring is left for slow evaporation of THF to obtain thin film and a sheet of master membrane. The Composite membrane was tested for chemical stability in acidic, alkaline, and strongly oxidant media. The composite membrane was found to be thermally and chemically most stable. It is suggested that when swelling and porosity are examined diffusion across the membrane would occur mainly through exchange sites.

Keywords: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM), Fuel Cell, Thin Film Membrane (TFM)