Preparation of Electrospun Styrofoam Membranes for Hydrogen Fuel Cells

• Published in: Diffusion and defect data. Solid state data. Pt. A, Defect and diffusion forum Vol. 433; pp. 47 - 56
• Main Authors: Jalal, Noor Mohammed, Zainab Abdali, Dakheel, Roaa, Shaker Mahmood
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Zurich Trans Tech Publications Ltd 20.06.2024
• Subjects: Addition polymerization; Aromatic compounds; Electronic packaging; Electrospinning; Food packaging; Hydrogen fuels; Magnesium oxide; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells; Protons; Styrofoam; Sulfonic acid; Sulfuric acid; Sulfonation; Electrospun Membranes; Styrofoam; Proton Conductivity
• ISSN: 1012-0386; 1662-9507; 1662-9507
• DOI: 10.4028/p-Zgz7i3

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.