Heteropolyacids - Chitosan Membranes for H2/O2 Low Temperature Fuel Cells

Abstract

Flat, free-standing phosphomolybdic acid and mixed phosphotungstic/phosphomolybdic acid chitosan membranes were prepared by in-situ ionotropic gelation process at room temperature on porous alumina support firstly impregnated by heteropolyacid. The polymeric films were tested as proton conductor in low temperature H2 – O2 fuel cell. Chitosan/phosphomolybdic acid membranes allowed to get peak power of 60 mW cm-2, while better results were obtained with mixed membranes, reticulated and functionalized in 30% H3PMo12O40, - 70% H3PW12O40 aqueous solution, allowing to measure a peak power of 140 mW cm-2 with a proton conductivity of ~ 2.5 mS cm-1.