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Herein, we report sol-gel modified sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) organo-silane based composite proton exchange membranes for their suitability in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Different concentrations (0.2–1.5 wt%) of aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTES) are incorporated in SPEEK matrix by in-situ sol-gel method. Physico and electrochemical performances of composite membranes are enhanced by induced H-bonding interactions between free –NH 2 and –SO 3 H groups. With increase in APTES concentration to 0.8 wt%, the ionic conductivity illustrates improvement by ⁓80% while IEC and Proton conductivity (Pc) enhances by ∼21% and ∼70%, respectively than SPEEK. To further explore the feasibility of the membranes in DMFC. Methanol crossover resistance is calculated to as low as 5.30 × 10−7 cm2 s−1 and offers highest selectivity of 4.43 S s cm−3 in contrast to 12.55 × 10−7 cm2 s−1 and 0.31 S s cm−3 for SPEEK, respectively. This study reveals that the Si-SPEEK membrane is a potential alternate for DMFC. • SPEEK matrix is loaded with APTES to enhance membrane properties. • Organosilicon-based acid-base stable membranes are prepared. • 0.8 wt% APTES showed overall improved physiochemical and electrochemical properties. • H-bonding interaction improved thermal and mechanical stability. • Alternate cation exchange membrane for DMFC is prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a vital electrochemical reaction for sustainable energy generation technologies. Due to the sluggish kinetics, exploration for an efficient non-precious metal catalyst is essential. Bimetallic nanohybrids are potential electrocatalysts for the OER due to their pore structure, large surface area, and inevitably dispersed metal centers. This work reports the synthesis of three bimetallic Ni–Co (NCMX), Fe–Co (FCMX), and Fe–Ni (FNMX) nanohybrids onto MXene for effective OER activity. An improved OER activity is observed on a plastic chip electrode (PCE) loaded with electrocatalysts. Among the synthesized electrocatalysts, NCMX exhibits excellent OER performance with an overpotential of 220 mV and a small Tafel slope of 94 mV/dec in a basic electrolyte (1 M KOH). The 3D MXenes framework promotes strong interaction with efficient charge transfer between the nanohybrids and MXene. Results demonstrate a promising recommendation for designing high-performance MXene-supported bimetallic nanohybrid electrocatalysts. • Bimetallic Fe/Ni/Co Nanohybrids on MXene have been synthesized successfully. • Uniform distribution of nanostructures on MXene. • NCMX exhibits excellent OER performance with overpotential of 220 mV. • NCMX shows the no degradation after electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]