Nafion membranes reinforced by cellulose nanocrystals for fuel cell applications: aspect ratio and heat treatment effects on physical properties

This study explored the improvement of physicochemical properties (mechanical resistance, water uptake, swelling, etc.) Nafion membranes by cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). These composite were prepared from Ramie and Tunicate with respective aspect ratios about 28 106. It was demonstrated that, regardless type nanocrystals, increasing weight content 0 to 10 wt% increased uptake thickness swelling decreased in-plane during immersion. The mechanical performances (tensile strength, elongation at break Young’s modulus) also enhanced, best compromise for found be 5 wt%. effect thermal annealing up 150 °C on Nafion-Tunicate tested compared that pure Nafion. With annealing, a small decrease in capacity, protonic conductivity, ion exchange capacity hydration number observed both membranes. At sub-molecular level, FTIR data suggest heat treatment induces cross-linking reactions between sulfonic groups chains surface functional CNCs, leading example ester links. exothermic peak DSC can assign an increase crystalline phase especially vicinity CNCs. All cross-linkages led resistance when below 130 °C.