Research Projects

The proposed proposal aims to improve the properties of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for fuel cell applications by anchoring inorganic nano compounds in the polymeric backbone. The PEM has drawbacks such as poor proton conductivity, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, chemical stability, thermal stability, and low fuel rejection. To enhance these properties, a conductive polymer like polyaniline will be used as the base material, and sulfonated graphene nano particles will be anchored in the polymeric backbone. To improve fuel rejection, sulfonated poly-sulfone will be blended with the base membrane. The mechanical properties of the membrane, such as plastic deformation or elastic limit, will change as the inorganic nano compound is anchored in the polymeric backbone. The yield point of the membrane may reduce due to the inorganic nano composite, which will enhance the membrane's hydrophilicity. Experimental and numerical investigation will be conducted to investigate the effect of nano particles on the yield point under dry and hydrated conditions. The performance of the synthesized polymer electrolyte membrane will be analyzed in a hydrogen fuel cell, and membrane synthesis will be optimized based on fuel cell performance.