writer：F. C h e n ,B.Mecheri ,A.D’Epifanio , E. Traversa and S. Licoccia *
keywords：Direct Methanol Fuel Cells, Methanol Crossover, Nafion, Performance Improvement, Proton Exchange Membrane
source：期刊
specific source：Fuel Cells, 2010,10(5)，pp790-797
Issue time：2010年

Nafion composite membranes containing either hydrated tin oxide (SnO₂·nH₂O) or sulphated tin oxide (S–SnO₂)at 5 and 10 wt.-% were prepared and characterised. The structural and electrochemical features of the samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, methanol crossover and direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) tests. Highest conductivity values were obtained by using S–SnO₂ as filler (0.094 S cm^–1 at T=110 °C and RH = 100%). The presence of the inorganic compound resulted in lower methanol crossover and improved DMFC performance with respect to a reference unfilled membrane. To improve the interface of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a layer of the composite electrolyte (i.e. the Nafion membrane containing 5 wt.-% S–SnO₂) was brushed on the electrodes, obtaining a DMFC operating at110 °Cwith a power density (PD) of100 mW cm^–2 which corresponds to a PD improvement of 52% with respect to the unfilled Nafion membrane.