The development of polymer electrolyte membranes that can withstand high temperatures is one of the most important steps towards the widespread implementation of fuel cells. In this project, eight new composite membranes were developed using the industry standard Nafion? as a base and adding inorganic molecules like zirconium, titanium, and silica. The thermomechanical properties of these membranes were analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Many of the substituted membranes showed higher glass transition temperatures, Young's moduli, and degradation temperatures.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Dunn, Katherine A.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 04B040M

Advisor

• Datta, Ravindra

Year

• 2004

Sponsor

• NASA - Glenn Project Center

Date created

• 2004-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright