Flexible Electrode Based on PES/GO Mixed Matrix Woven Membrane for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Application

We introduced, for the first time, a membrane composed of nanostructured self-polyether sulphone (PES) filled with graphene oxide (GO) applied to photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. This membrane was fabricated through the phase inversion method. A variety of characteristics analysis of GO and its composite with PES including FTIR, XRD, SEM, and optical properties was studied. Its morphology was completely modified from macro voids for bare PES into uniform layers with a random distribution of GO structure which facilitated the movement of electrons between these layers for hydrogen production. The composite membrane photocathode brought a distinct photocurrent generation (5.7 mA/cm² at 1.6 V vs. RHE). The optimized GO ratio in the membrane was investigated to be PG2 (0.008 wt.% GO). The conversion efficiencies of PEC were assessed for this membrane. Its incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) was calculated to be 14.4% at λ = 390 nm beside the applied bias photon-to-current conversion efficiency (ABPE) that was estimated to be 7.1% at -0.4 V vs. RHE. The stability of the PG2 membrane after six cycles was attributed to high thermal and mechanical stability and excellent ionic conductivity. The number of hydrogen moles was calculated quantitively to be 0.7 mmol h^-1 cm^-2. Finally, we designed an effective cost membrane with high performance for hydrogen generation.

Graphene oxide based nanohybrid proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications: An overview

In the context of many applications, such as polymer composites, energy-related materials, sensors, 'paper'-like materials, field-effect transistors (FET), and biomedical applications, chemically modified graphene was broadly studied during the last decade, due to its excellent electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The presence of reactive oxygen functional groups in the grapheme oxide (GO) responsible for chemical functionalization makes it a good candidate for diversified applications. The main objectives for developing a GO based nanohybrid proton exchange membrane (PEM) include: improved self-humidification (water retention ability), reduced fuel crossover (electro-osmotic drag), improved stabilities (mechanical, thermal, and chemical), enhanced proton conductivity, and processability for the preparation of membrane-electrode assembly. Research carried on this topic may be divided into protocols for covalent grafting of functional groups on GO matrix, preparation of free-standing PEM or choice of suitable polymer matrix, covalent or hydrogen bonding between GO and polymer matrix etc. Herein, we present a brief literature survey on GO based nano-hybrid PEM for fuel cell applications. Different protocols were adopted to produce functionalized GO based materials and prepare their free-standing film or disperse these materials in various polymer matrices with suitable interactions. This review article critically discussed the suitability of these PEMs for fuel cell applications in terms of the dependency of the intrinsic properties of nanohybrid PEMs. Potential applications of these nanohybrid PEMs, and current challenges are also provided along with future guidelines for developing GO based nanohybrid PEMs as promising materials for fuel cell applications.

Sulfonated poly(arylene thioether phosphine oxide)s (sPTPO) and sPTPO/sulfonated polybenzothiazole blends as proton exchange membranes

Blends of sulfonated poly(arylene thioether phosphine oxide)s and sulfonated polybenzothiazoles exhibited excellent overall properties as proton exchange membranes.

Preparation and properties of branched sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone)/polytetrafluoroethylene composite materials for proton exchange membranes

Branched sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone)s (BSPAEKs) exhibit excellent oxidative stability and solubility, making them suitable for proton exchange membranes (PEMs).