مقاله پلیمر ISI:Synthesis of sulfonated CS/PVA/ s-ZrO2
In this study, the morphological (DLS and FTIR tests), mechanical (tensile strength tests), structural (XRD, conductivity, WU, swelling ratio and IEC tests), and thermal properties (Thermogravimetric tests) of sulfonated Chitosan / Poly (vinyl alcohol) /sulfated zirconia (sulfonated CS / PVA /s-ZrO2) nanoparticles as fuel cell membranes were investigated.
Electrolyte membranes characterization was conducted using FTIR, XRD, and TG analysis. The DLS approach is utilized for the determination of the size of nanoparticles. Membranes were also evaluated for conductivity, water uptake, ion exchange capacity, swelling ratio, tensile strength and membrane stability. The results of the study indicate strong interactions between sulfonated chitosan, PVA and sulfated zirconia (s-ZrO2). The mixture of nanocomposite of sulfonated chitosan with PVA and s-ZrO2 increased the membrane hydrophobicity. The composite (sulfonated chitosan/PVA/s-ZrO2) consisting 7.5 wt.% s-ZrO2 demonstrated a considerable improvement in ultimate tensile strength as well as an increase in conductivity in comparison with the CS/PVA/s-ZrO2 membranes by the order of 10−2 S/cm under 25 oC temperature.