Diluent-optimized melt-blown fabrication of SiC/CNT-reinforced composite proton exchange membranes with enhanced conductivity and power density

This study developed a composite proton exchange membrane (PEM) by introducing a diluent into Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) resin during the melt-blown process, followed by functionalization with silicon carbide nanoparticles and carboxylated carbon nanotubes. Morphology, structure, proton conductivity, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and single-cell power density were evaluated. The diluent reduced the coefficient of variation of the resin, while silicon carbide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes enhanced proton conductivity and mechanical strength. The interwoven coarse-fine fiber skeleton of PPS non-woven fabric provided an ideal substrate for PEMs. At 80 °C and 100% relative humidity, the composite membrane achieved a proton conductivity of 0.23 S cm −1 . After incorporating SiC, the interaction energy decreased from −101.14 to −1144.26 kcal mol −1 . The membrane also showed excellent thermal stability, higher power density, and durable single-cell performance.