Summary
Nafion is the standard proton-exchange membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), but it needs reinforcement to keep good mechanical strength, chemical stability and low swelling at high operating temperatures. This work explores an approach in which the membrane incorporates electrospun polymer nanofibres as a reinforcing film. Nafion was blended with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polystyrene (PS) and electrospun, and the morphology and diameter of the resulting fibres were studied as a function of the electrospinning parameters and solution preparation, identifying a critical concentration that separates beaded fibres from uniform fibre mats. Reinforced Nafion membranes were then made from these spun films; preliminary proton-conductivity and single-cell tests showed performance slightly above pure Nafion with improved stability at high temperature.