US EPA

1448870 

Journal Article 

Preparation and Characterization of MPTMS-Linked MWCNT/Nafion (R) Nanocomposite Membranes 

Kim, YHo; Lee, HKyu; Abu Sayeed, Md; Park, Y; Gopalan, AI; Lee, KP; Choi, SJ 

2012 

Yes 

Journal of Nanoelectronics and Optoelectronics
ISSN: 1555-130X 

7 

5 

517-521 

10.1166/jno.2012.1369 

WOS:000311188900021 

3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxy silane (MPTMS)-linked multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced Nafion (R) nanocomposite membranes were prepared and characterized. The MPTMS-linked MWCNTs were prepared by a chemical reaction using oxidized MWCNTs. To increase the miscibility of the MPTMS-linked MWCNTs in the Nafion (R) membrane, the thiol groups of the MPTMS-linked MWCNTs were changed to sulfonate groups because these are the same functional groups as those in the Nafion (R) membrane. The prepared MPTMS-linked MWCNTs were characterized by scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), which showed silicon and sulfur atomic contents of approximately 3.81 wt% and 4.42 wt%, respectively. The prepared MPTMS-linked MWCNTs were well dispersed in 5% Nafion (R) solution for over 3 days after sonication whereas pristine MWCNTs were easily precipitated. The prepared MPTMS-linked MWCNTs in the range of 1-3 wt% based on the Nafion (R) weight were added to the Nafion (R) membrane by a solution casting method. The well dispersed MPTMS-linked MWCNT reinforced Nafion (R) nanocomposite membranes that were obtained showed an enhanced thermal property and reduced methanol uptake, while the ion exchange capacity was maintained. 

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube; MPTMS; Nafion (R); Direct Methanol Fuel Cells