Three-Dimensional Sulfonated Graphene Oxide Proton Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cells

During the last decades, graphene oxide (GO)-based materials have been extensively studied as low-cost efficient solid electrolytes for fuel-cell application. However, the observed limited proton conductivity of GO in the out-of-plane directions and associated lower fuel-cell performance largely limit their practical application. Herein, we have demonstrated a sulfate ion-intercalated three-dimensional graphene oxide (3DSGO) showing an exceptionally high out-of-plane proton conductivity of 0.74 S cm-1 at room temperature and 90% RH, and an in-plane proton conductivity of 3.19 S cm-1. Additionally, measurement of cell performance using the prepared membrane as the electrolyte of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) showed an optimum power density of 112.65 mW cm-2 at 100% RH and 30 degrees C, which is more than double that achieved for 3DGO (50 mW cm-2). This efficient proton conduction ability and PEMFC performance of the 3DSGO is linked with the 3D interconnected ionic highways and substantial interlayer void space, which provide the higher water retention capacity in the 3D spongy architecture and a facile proton conduction pathway.