Вход на сайт

Просмотр новости

Найдите то, что Вас интересует

The Proton Conductivity and Mechanical Properties of SPEEK-Ce:Zr Nanocomposite Membrane

Дата публикации: 07-07-2026 22:00:00

Publication date: 8 July 2026
Source: Journal of Nano Research Vol. 93
Author(s): Mayetu Segale, Rudzani Sigwadi, Olayemi Jola Fakayode, Tumelo Seadira, Bakang Mothudi, Mantsopa Koena Zamisa, Tau S. Ntelane, Touhami Mokrani
This study investigates the effect of ceria (CeO2) and zirconia oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles on the sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) membranes prepared by the solution casting method. The resulting SPEEK-Ce:Zr nanocomposite membranes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The tensile strength, ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, and swelling ratio of the composite membrane were also investigated. The results showed that the composite membranes outperformed the pristine SPEEK membranes in terms of IEC, swelling ratio, and proton conductivity of up to 58 mS/cm at 25 °C. Furthermore, the performance improvement increased with the Ce:Zr loading ranging from 1 – 10%. The incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles into the polymer matrix resulted in a more uniform distribution of the nanoparticles in the membrane matrix, with nearly no agglomeration, leading to improved mechanical strength and chemical stability. The composite membranes with enhanced properties thus show great potential for applications such as fuel cells.


Основное содержимое страницы с новостью.

[1] Okonkwo, P.C., O.O. Ige, P.C. Uzoma, W. Emori, A. Benamor, and A.M. Abdullah, Platinum degradation mechanisms in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system: A review. International journal of hydrogen energy, 2021. 46(29): pp.15850-15865.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.02.078

Google Scholar

[2] Jiao, K., J. Xuan, Q. Du, Z. Bao, B. Xie, B. Wang, Y. Zhao, L. Fan, H. Wang, and Z. Hou, Designing the next generation of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. Nature, 2021. 595(7867): pp.361-369.

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03482-7

Google Scholar

[3] Tellez-Cruz, M.M., J. Escorihuela, O. Solorza-Feria, and V. Compañ, Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs): advances and challenges. Polymers, 2021. 13(18): p.3064.

DOI: 10.3390/polym13183064

Google Scholar

[4] Maiti, T.K., J. Singh, P. Dixit, J. Majhi, S. Bhushan, A. Bandyopadhyay, and S. Chattopadhyay, Advances in perfluorosulfonic acid-based proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications: A review. Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, 2022. 12: p.100372.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2022.100372

Google Scholar

[5] Zeng, L., X. Lu, C. Yuan, W. Yuan, K. Chen, J. Guo, X. Zhang, J. Wang, Q. Liao, and Z. Wei, Self‐enhancement of perfluorinated sulfonic acid proton exchange membrane with its own nanofibers. Advanced Materials, 2024. 36(15): p.2305711.

DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305711

Google Scholar

[6] Ying, J., T. Liu, Y. Wang, M. Guo, Q. Shen, Y. Lin, J. Yu, and Z. Yu, Perspectives on membrane development for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Energy & Fuels, 2024. 38(8): pp.6613-6643.

DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.3c04835

Google Scholar

[7] Madhav, D., J. Wang, R. Keloth, J. Mus, F. Buysschaert, and V. Vandeginste, A review of proton exchange membrane degradation pathways, mechanisms, and mitigation strategies in a fuel cell. Energies, 2024. 17(5): p.998.

DOI: 10.3390/en17050998

Google Scholar

[8] Qian, P., H. Wang, L. Zhang, Y. Zhou, and H. Shi, An enhanced stability and efficiency of SPEEK-based composite membrane influenced by amphoteric side-chain polymer for vanadium redox flow battery. Journal of Membrane Science, 2022. 643: p.120011.

DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.120011

Google Scholar

[9] Yang, K., D. Zhang, M. Zou, L. Yu, and S. Huang, The Known and Overlooked Sides of Zeolite‐Extrudate Catalysts. ChemCatChem, 2021. 13(6): pp.1414-1423.

DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202001601

Google Scholar

[10] Elerian, A.F., M. Abu-Saied, G. Abd-Elnaim, and E.M. Elnaggar, Development of polymer electrolyte membrane based on poly (Vinyl Chloride)/graphene oxide modified with zirconium phosphate for fuel cell applications. Journal of Polymer Research, 2023. 30(1): p.6.

DOI: 10.1007/s10965-022-03317-7

Google Scholar

[11] Darıcık, F., A. Topcu, K. Aydın, and S. Celik, Carbon nanotube (CNT) modified carbon fiber/epoxy composite plates for the PEM fuel cell bipolar plate application. international journal of hydrogen energy, 2023. 48(3): pp.1090-1106.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.09.297

Google Scholar

[12] Nimir, W., A. Al-Othman, M. Tawalbeh, A. Al Makky, A. Ali, H. Karimi-Maleh, F. Karimi, and C. Karaman, Approaches towards the development of heteropolyacid-based high temperature membranes for PEM fuel cells. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2023. 48(17): pp.6638-6656.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.11.174

Google Scholar

[13] Chu, J., Y. Ou, F. Cheng, H. Liu, N. Luo, F. Hu, S. Wen, and C. Gong, Achieving better balance on the mechanical stability and conduction performance of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) proton exchange membranes through polydopamine/polyethyleneimine co-modified poly (vinylidene fluoride) nanofiber as support. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2024. 50: pp.1381-1390.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.10.298

Google Scholar

[14] Zhao, Y., H. Liu, X. Meng, A. Liu, Y. Chen, and T. Ma, A cross-linked tin oxide/polymer composite gel electrolyte with adjustable porosity for enhanced sodium ion batteries. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2022. 431: p.133922.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.133922

Google Scholar

[15] Wang, Y., J. You, Z. Cheng, K. Jiang, L. Zhang, W. Cai, Y.-Q. Liu, and S. Li, A promising Al-CeZrO4/HPW-incorporated SPEEK composite membrane with improved proton conductivity and chemical stability for PEM fuel cells. High Performance Polymers, 2021. 33(3): pp.295-308.

DOI: 10.1177/0954008320957076

Google Scholar

[16] Gashoul, F., M.J. Parnian, and S. Rowshanzamir, A new study on improving the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of SPEEK nanocomposite membranes for medium temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells using different loading of zirconium oxide nanoparticles. international journal of hydrogen energy, 2017. 42(1): pp.590-602.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.11.132

Google Scholar

[17] Li, X., B. He, P. Li, and S. Tang, In situ-doped sulfonated schiff-base networks in SPEEK composite membranes with enhanced proton conductivity. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2023. 15(21): pp.25584-25593.

DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03885

Google Scholar

[18] Meng, X., K. Song, Y. Lv, C. Cong, H. Ye, Y. Dong, and Q. Zhou, SPEEK proton exchange membrane with enhanced proton conductivity stability from phosphotungstic acid-encapsulated silica nanorods. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2021. 272: p.125045.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2021.125045

Google Scholar

[19] Segale, M., O.J. Fakayode, T. Mokrani, G.J. Summers, B.M. Mothudi, and R. Sigwadi, Hydrogen evolution on graphite/sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) surface using zirconium oxide-stabilized cerium oxide nanocomposites. Journal of Power Sources, 2025. 629: p.235975.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235975

Google Scholar

[20] Yee, R.S., K. Zhang, and B.P. Ladewig, The effects of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) ion exchange preparation conditions on membrane properties. Membranes, 2013. 3(3): pp.182-195.

DOI: 10.3390/membranes3030182

Google Scholar

[21] Sgreccia, E., C. Rogalska, F.S. Gallardo Gonzalez, P. Prosposito, L. Burratti, P. Knauth, and M.L. Di Vona, Heavy metal decontamination by ion exchange polymers for water purification: counterintuitive cation removal by an anion exchange polymer. Journal of Materials Science, 2024. 59(7): pp.2776-2787.

DOI: 10.1007/s10853-024-09356-3

Google Scholar

[22] Li, H., X. Ren, J. Dong, X. Che, R. Liu, and J. Yang, Anion exchange membranes based on sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) crosslinked methylpyrrolidinium functionalized poly (vinyl benzyl chloride) with high chemical stability. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2019. 166(15): p. F1134-F1141.

DOI: 10.1149/2.0211915jes

Google Scholar

[23] El-Araby, R., N. Attia, G. Eldiwani, M. Khafagi, S. Sobhi, and T. Mostafa, Characterization and sulfonation degree of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. World Appl. Sci. J, 2014. 32(11): pp.2239-2244.

Google Scholar

[24] Han, D., J. Sun, J. Ge, C. Wang, P. Hu, and Y. Liu, Cross-linked proton exchange membrane covalently bonded with silicotungstic acid for enhanced proton conductivity. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2025. 141: pp.499-511.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.10.175

Google Scholar

[25] Yousef, S., J. Eimontas, N. Striūgas, A. Mohamed, and M.A. Abdelnaby, Pyrolysis kinetic behavior and TG-FTIR-GC–MS analysis of end-life ultrafiltration polymer nanocomposite membranes. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2022. 428: p.131181.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.131181

Google Scholar

[26] Baschieri, A., Z. Jin, and R. Amorati, Hydroperoxyl radical (HOO•) as a reducing agent: unexpected synergy with antioxidants. A review. Free Radical Research, 2023. 57(2): pp.115-129.

DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2023.2212121

Google Scholar

[27] Yun, Y., A. Kumar, J. Hong, and S.-J. Song, Impact of CeO2 nanoparticle morphology: radical scavenging within the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2021. 168(11): p.114521.

DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/ac3ab4

Google Scholar

[28] Yuk, S., J. Jung, K.-Y. Song, D.W. Lee, D.-H. Lee, S. Choi, G. Doo, J. Hyun, J. Kwen, and J.Y. Kim, Addressing the detrimental effect of CeO2 radical scavenger on the durability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2023. 452: p.139061.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2022.139061

Google Scholar

[29] Choi, J. and T. Kwon, Recent advances in ceria-based free radical scavenging nanoparticles for durability enhancement of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. CrystEngComm, 2025.

DOI: 10.1039/d5ce00400d

Google Scholar

[30] Hwang, S., H. Lee, Y.-G. Jeong, C. Choi, I. Hwang, S. Song, S.Y. Nam, J.H. Lee, and K. Kim, Polymer electrolyte membranes containing functionalized organic/inorganic composite for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022. 23(22): p.14252.

DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214252

Google Scholar

[31] Haider, R., Y. Wen, Z.-F. Ma, D.P. Wilkinson, L. Zhang, X. Yuan, S. Song, and J. Zhang, High temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells: progress in advanced materials and key technologies. Chemical Society Reviews, 2021. 50(2): pp.1138-1187.

DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00296h

Google Scholar

[32] Oh, H., B. Son, and S. Shanmugam, Cerium-based perovskite mixed metal oxide as the radical scavenger for PEM fuel cells operating under low humidity conditions. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2023. 15(23): pp.28093-28105.

DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c04216

Google Scholar

[33] Ranganathan, H., M. Vinothkannan, A.R. Kim, V. Subramanian, M.S. Oh, and D.J. Yoo, Simultaneous improvement of power density and durability of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) membrane by embedding CeO2‐ATiO2: a comprehensive study in low humidity proton exchange membrane fuel cells. International Journal of Energy Research, 2022. 46(7): pp.9041-9057.

DOI: 10.1002/er.7781

Google Scholar

[34] Murmu, R., D. Roy, S.C. Patra, H. Sutar, and P. Senapati, Preparation and characterization of the SPEEK/PVA/Silica hybrid membrane for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Polymer Bulletin, 2022. 79(4): pp.2061-2087.

DOI: 10.1007/s00289-021-03602-3

Google Scholar

[35] Khalid, F., A.S. Roy, A. Parveen, and R. Castro-Muñoz, Fabrication of the cross-linked PVA/TiO2/C nanocomposite membrane for alkaline direct methanol fuel cells. Materials Science and Engineering: B, 2024. 299: p.116929.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2023.116929

Google Scholar

[36] Vinothkannan, M., A.R. Kim, S. Ramakrishnan, Y.-T. Yu, and D.J. Yoo, Advanced Nafion nanocomposite membrane embedded with unzipped and functionalized graphite nanofibers for high-temperature hydrogen-air fuel cell system: The impact of filler on power density, chemical durability and hydrogen permeability of membrane. Composites Part B: Engineering, 2021. 215: p.108828.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2021.108828

Google Scholar

[37] Gokulakrishnan, S., V. Kumar, G. Arthanareeswaran, A. Ismail, and J. Jaafar, Thermally stable nanoclay and functionalized graphene oxide integrated SPEEK nanocomposite membranes for direct methanol fuel cell application. Fuel, 2022. 329: p.125407.

DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2022.125407

Google Scholar

[38] Esmaeilzadeh, Z., M. Karimi, A. Mousavi Shoushtari, and M. Javanbakht, The effect of polydopamine coated multi‐walled carbon nanotube on the wettability of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) nanocomposite as a proton exchange membrane. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2022. 139(20): p.52142.

DOI: 10.1002/app.52142

Google Scholar

Схожие новости

#Наименование новостиТональностьИнформативностьДата публикации
1CTAB-Stabilized ZnO, CuO and NiO Nanostructure: Comparative Studies of their Physicochemical Properties for Potential Applications012.707-07-2026
2Quantitative Statistical and Strain Mapping Analysis of Grain Anisotropy in VO2 Thin Films Grown by Rf-Biased Reactive Sputtering014.6207-07-2026
3Nanowires, Nanocubes, and Nanopolyhedral Morphologies of ZnO Thin Films: Effects of Substrates (Glass and Indium Tin Oxide) and Dopants (Al, Ag, and F) on Rhodamine B Degradation08.5907-07-2026
4Hybrid Synthesis of Nano Zero-Valent Iron Using Sodium Borohydride and Palm Waste Extracts010.407-07-2026
5Synthesis, Characterization, and Thermal Analysis of Silver and Platinum Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Eco-Friendly Dry Fine Grind011.7707-07-2026
6Phase Stabilization and Luminescence Quenching in Sol-Gel Synthesized Er-Doped Al₂O₃ Nanopowder via Supercritical Drying014.3607-07-2026
7Once-in-a-generation materials: how metal-organic frameworks are improving efficiency and reducing energy demand09.0415-09-2026
8New light-element crystal framework paves the way for safer all-solid-state batteries017.4806-10-2026
9Dopamine-based nanotubes combine heat, electrical stimulation and antioxidant release for first time09.0328-09-2026

Классификация: Наука. Схожих патентов: 0. Схожих новостей: 9. Тональность: 0. Информативность: 13.18. Источник: www.scientific.net.