Self-Assembled Films from Chitosan and Poly(Vinyl Sulfonic Acid) on Nafion (R) for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

Author(s)

Vinhola, Leonardo ^[1] ; Facci, Tiago ^[2] ; Dias, Luis G. ^[2] ; de Azevedo, Dayse C. ^[2] ; Borissevitch, Galina ^[1] ; Huguenin, Fritz ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Fac COC, BR-14096160 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Quim, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society; v. 23, n. 3, p. 531+, MAR 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Chitosan/poly(vinyl sulfonic acid) (PVS) films have been prepared on Nafion (R) membranes by the layer-by-layer (LbL) method for use in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Computational methods and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra suggest that an ionic pair is formed between the sulfonic group of PVS and the protonated amine group of chitosan, thereby promoting the growth of LbL films on the Nafion (R) membrane as well as partial blocking of methanol. Chronopotentiometry and potential linear scanning experiments have been carried out for investigation of methanol crossover through the Nafion (R) and chitosan/PVS/Nafion (R) membranes in a diaphragm diffusion cell. On the basis of electrical impedance measurements, the values of proton resistance of the Nafion (R) and chitosan/PVS/Nafion (R) membranes are close due to the small thickness of the LbL film. Thus, it is expected an improved DMFC performance once the additional resistance of the self-assembled film is negligible compared to the result associated with the decrease in the crossover effect. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/14181-1 - Lithium ion electro-insertion into nanocomposites formed from metal oxides
• Grantee: Fritz Cavalcante Huguenin
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants