Study on proton exchange membrane of TiO_2/Nafion/PP for vanadium redox flow battery

New types of proton exchange membranes Nafion/PP and TiO2/Nafion/PP based on PP which were prepared by the method of soaking and TiO2 doping were introduced into the vanadium redox flow battery (VRB). SEM and IR spectra were taken to characterize the membranes. Ion exchange capacity (IEC), electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance of VRB with the composite membranes had also been investigated. The results show that the electrical conductivity of the composite membrane increases about 27% after mixed with TiO2; the cell efficiency of VRB employing TiO2/Nafion/PP composite membrane with a IEC value of 0.729 8 mmol/g and a hydrous ratio of 17.86% which are respectively 75% and 117% higher than Nafion/PP membrane is 67.76% ; the cycle stability of the VRB with the composite membrane performs well.