Composite Aquivion Proton Exchange Membranes Reinforced with Electrospun Mats Based for High‐Performance Fuel Cells

Nanocomposite membranes based on Aquivion‐type ionomer and electrospun nanofibers made from a mixture of poly(vinylidene fluoride ‐co ‐tetrafluoroethylene) (PVDF–TFE) and Aquivion‐type ionomer are prepared by electrospinning and impregnation. For the first time, a short‐side‐chain ionomer is introduced into electrospinning mats based on PVDF–TFE and is systematically tested, including in a fuel cell. The dependence of their proton conductivity, hydrogen permeability, and morphology is determined and compared to a membrane based on pristine Aquivion‐type ionomer. It is shown that nanocomposite membranes exhibit a slight decrease in proton conductivity compared to nonreinforced membranes, but improved (i.e., reduced) hydrogen gas permeability and dimensional stability. The proton conductivity of nanocomposite membranes and Aquivion‐type membranes are 86 and 100 mS cm −1 , respectively, at 80 °C and 100% relative humidity. Testing of the membrane in membrane‐electrode assembly shows an increase performance compared to the original membranes and is comparable to those of the commercial Nafion 211 membrane. At a current density of 1.2 A cm −2 , the composite membranes demonstrate power characteristics of 534 mW cm −2 , which is comparable to the data for a commercial membrane of 571 mW cm −2 . Integrating of ionomer contained nanofibers in ionomer membranes is an effective strategy of reinforcement leading to high‐performance fuel cells and other ion‐exchange applications.