Development of self-assembling sulfonated graphene oxide membranes as a potential proton conductor

A simple method is reported for the preparation of self-assembling sulfonated graphene oxide membranes (SGO-X) to be studied as a potential proton conductor exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The effect three different sulfuric acid-to-GO molar ratios investigated, main aim being identification an optimal sulfonation interval ensuring successful trade-off among composition, structural stability and functional properties. ATR-FTIR EDX spectroscopies, SEM, thermogravimetry static contact angle measurements allow analyze efficacy functionalization (GO) with sulfonic acid groups (–SO3H) uniformity component's structure. preliminary examination conductivity performed on most promising samples (SGO-1, SGO-20) by means electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), together evaluation water uptake, ion capacity degree sulfonation. This introductory work demonstrates that proposed SGO-X exhibit notable water-retaining proton-exchanging properties at elevated temperatures reduced humidity, compared pristine GO Nafion® 212 benchmark specimens. Therefore, these innovative self-standing materials are proved worthy additional studies optimization their features, foreseeing assessment behavior possible electrolyte in PEM cell.