Nafion-1,2,3-Triazole Blend Membranes for High Temperature PEMFCs

Nafion-1,2,3-triazole blend membranes were prepared by autoclave (AC) solution processing mixing of Nafion (R) solution (5% solution in 1- and 2-propanol and H2O) and 1,2,3-triazole. The blend membranes were very flexible, transparent, homogeneous, and stable even after boiling in water and treatment in 1M H2SO4. FTIR and NMR results suggested that 1- and 2-propanol of Nafion solution reacted with 1,2,3-triazole under the catalytic effect of the Nafion's acid side chain. IV performance of blend membranes was tested using a single membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cell. The cell performance of Nafion-5wt.% 1,2,3-triazole blend membrane was higher than that of the Nafion 112 at cell temperatures over 100 degrees C indicating that it is possible to use Nafion-1,2,3-triazole blend membrane as an electrolyte for high temperature PEMFCs.