Graphene Based Nafion^® Nanocomposite Membranes for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Nanocomposite proton-exchange membranes are fabricated by loading graphene nanoflakes into perfluoro sulfonic acid polymer (Nafion) solutions at controlled amounts (1–4 wt%) followed by electrical and thermal characterization of the resulting membranes. Electronic and ionic conductivity values of the nanocomposites, as well as their dielectric and thermal properties improve at increased graphene loadings. Owing to graphene’s exceptionally high surface area to volume ratio and excellent physical properties, these nanocomposite are promising candidates for proton-exchange membrane fuel cell applications.