Novel Bilayer Composite Membrane for Passive Direct Methanol Fuel Cells with Pure Methanol

Abstract

The bilayer composite membrane composed of the sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO)/Nafion and sulfonated activated carbon (SAC)/Nafion composite membrane is designed and prepared by repeatedly bar-coating. With the carefully chosen of solvent, the bilayer composite membrane has shown identical thickness on SEM observation. The SGO/Nafion side has a low methanol permeability ascribed to the unique selectivity of the SGO. Moreover, the SAC side has good water retention which can facilitate the back diffusion water produced by the cathode. The unique design of composite membranes confers low methanol crossover and high proton conductivity at the same time. The bilayer composite membrane shows better power density than Nafion 212 and Nafion 115 and the performance monitored for 24h to ensure the stable power density and the durability of the membrane.