Proton Conductive Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposite Membranes Derived By Sol-Gel Method

Proton conductive organic-inorganic membranes were synthesized based on acrylic monomers and silica inorganic component, derived as a result of sol-gel transformation of precursor -3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAPTMS). Kinetics of polymerization in situ was investigated by laser interferometry. Membranes characterization includes water and methanol uptake, contact angle and proton conductivity at different temperatures. Activation energy values for proton conductivity in prepared membranes were evaluated. The obtained hybrid membranes demonstrated high proton conductivity making them attractive for the use in fuel cells.