Study on fiber-reinforced proton exchange membrane using high-surface-energy substrate.

A fiber-reinforced composite membrane has been fabricated using a high-surface-energy substrate via a facile one-step doctor blading technique, which would be a perfect match for roll-to-roll process. The nanofiber mat based on sulfonated polyether-ether-ketone and polyvinylidene fluoride acting as reinforcement frame shows ultra-high surface energy, and enables efficient impregnation of perfluorosulfonated ionomer into porous substrate to form a uniform-layer structure with nanofibers interspersed throughout the composite membrane on the thickness direction. As a result, the fiber-reinforced composite membranes display enhanced mechanical stability and reduced swelling rate. With high packing density and continuous PFSI distribution, the as-prepared composite membranes perform better both on through-plane conductivity and cell performance under a low humidification than those of commercial membranes based on porous poly (tetra fluoroethylene). [Display omitted] • Membranes reinforced with a high-surface-energy substrate (sulfonated polyether-ether-ketone and polyvinylidene fluoride) were prepared as PRS by one-step doctor blading technique. • PRS demonstrates a uniform-layer structure unlike commercially used PTFE-reinforced membranes. • PRS performs better than commercially used PTFE-reinforced membranes in fuel cell under all humidity conditions and is significantly higher without humidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]