A composite protonic membrane based on a poly(vinylidene)fluoride-poly(acrylonitrile), PVdF-PAN blend.

This paper reports on the synthesis and the properties of a new microporous, composite proton-conducting gel membrane, formed by swelling a poly(vinylidene)fluoride-poly(acrylonitrile), PVdF-PAN blend-based matrix containing a dispersed Al2O3 ceramic filler with aqueous acid solutions. We show that this membrane has a high and stable conductivity, a proton transport not critically influenced by the relative humidity level, and a projected low cost. Tests in a methanol-air laboratory cell also demonstrate that the membrane is basically suitable for application in direct methanol fuel cells