ABSTRACT
In an effort to improve the proton conductivity of the s-Chitosan/PEO/s-SiO2 membranes, a heteropoly acid such as phosphortungstic acid/Sulfosuccinic acid as a cross-linker is incorporated in the polymer matrix. The membranes show that s-SiO2 nano particles are dispersed within the membranes uniformly and indicating the good organic compatibility of s-SiO2 particle with PWA/SSA. The conductivity is found to increase in the order of 10−1 Scm−1 at 303K for increasing the PWA acid dopant. The physicochemical properties of the films are successively characterized by water uptake, IEC and mechanical stability. The results suggest that s-CS/PEO/s-SiO2/PWA composite membranes suitable for fuel cell.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
![](/cms/asset/2f00dda4-8dbd-4a5f-ac33-717b8f0fa605/lpte_a_1455862_uf0001_oc.jpg)
List of Symbols
σ | = | Conductivity |
σ0 | = | Pre-exponential factor |
Ea | = | Activation energy |
k | = | Boltzmann constant |
t | = | Thickness of the prepared polymer electrolyte film |
A | = | Area of the prepared polymer electrolyte film |
Rb | = | Bulk resistance of the electrolyte film |
µ | = | Micro |
θ | = | Theta |
ᴼC | = | Degree Celsius |
Å | = | Angstrom |
K | = | Kelvin |
%T | = | Percentage of Transmittance |