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Thesis
1D-lepidocrocite titania based composite membranes for PEMFCs
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011024
Abstract
Commercial perfluorosulfonic-acid membranes such as Nafion® remain the benchmark for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), yet their high cost, complex fluorine chemistry, and limited high-temperature usage motivate the search for sustainable, fluorine free alternatives. Nafion's performance comes from its dual morphology - hydrophobic PTFE backbone for mechanical integrity coupled with hydrophilic sulfonic terminations for proton transport, which makes it an ideal candidate for such demanding application. This thesis investigates a hybrid route in which one-dimensional lepidocrocite nano-titania (1DL), developed by Dr. Barsoum's group, provides the proton-conducting phase while inexpensive hydrocarbon polymers provides structural support. Stable aqueous 1DL colloids were combined with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) or polysulfone (PSU) in different weight ratios, and membranes were fabricated by vacuum filtration or solution casting. Both polymer families enhanced the brittle 1DL network, but the two matrices diverged in durability. PVA composites achieved proton conductivities up to 25 mS/cm but absorbed above 100 % water, compromising mechanical stability. In contrast, a PSU-based membrane delivered 20 mS/cm, maintained 40 % water uptake, retaining it's mechanical integrity. These findings demonstrate that PSU/1DL composites can approach good enough conductivity without fluorinated chemistry to support the application, charting a viable path toward next-generation PEMFC membranes through further polymer exploration and interface engineering.
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Details
- Title
- 1D-lepidocrocite titania based composite membranes for PEMFCs
- Creators
- Ujwal Arun Mandi
- Contributors
- Maureen Han-Mei Tang (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vii, 41 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Chemical (and Biological) Engineering [Historical]; College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022058937004721