Nafion-microporous organic polymer networks composite membranes

A series of new Nafion composite membranes have been prepared by the self-assembly of microporous organic polymer networks (MOPNs) and Nafion. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveal that MOPNs and Nafion membranes have good miscibility affording homogeneous composite membranes Nafion-MOPN-x. Compared with the recast Nafion membrane, Nafion-MOPN-x composite membranes show excellent thermal and mechanical properties, good dimensional stability, low methanol permeability, and proper proton conductivity. Also, the passive direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) of Nafion-MOPN-3 membrane presents a maximum power density of 21.5mWcm−2 at 25°C. These results show the introduction of MOPNs can improve the interface compatibility and lessen the cavity problem between fillers and polymeric matrix during chemical blend. Therefore, it casts a new light on developing stable polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) for fuel cell application.