Polyvinyl alcohol/polybenzimidazole/BaZrO3-based hybrid nanocomposite: as a new proton conducting membrane for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

In this study for the first time, polybenzimidazole (PBI)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/BaZrO3 hybrid nanocomposite membrane has been prepared for high-temperature Proton exchange membrane fuel cell. BaZrO3 nanoparticles as metal oxide were prepared by sol gel combustion method and a detailed structural study has been carried out by Rietveld refinement. The temperature and relative humidity dependence of the proton conductivity were investigated. The protonic conductivity of the hybrid nanocomposite has been studied by using a fuel cell testing station at 25-100 degrees C systematically. Hybrid nanocomposite membrane (PBI-PVA-BZO) demonstrates maximum proton ion conductivity 7.24 x 10(-2) S/cm as compare to PVA, and hybrid composites (PVA-PBI). The highest peak power density of 47.5 mW/cm(2) was achieved for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell which included hybrid nano-composite membranes at 70 degrees C.