Examination of Nafion membrane performance with acid–base functionalized graphene oxide

Abstract

Functionalized graphene oxide (GO) as a good additive can improve the performance of proton exchange membrane (PEM) via the introduction of various functional groups. How to balance the proton conductivity and durability of membrane based on functionalized GO is a key issue. In this work, benzoic-acid-functionalized GO(BAF-GO) and 1,2,4-triazole-functionalized GO(TF-GO) are employed as doping candidates, and the co-doping effect on membrane performance is investigated by means of experiment and molecular dynamics simulation. Meanwhile, the quantum chemistry method is implemented to explore the interaction between TF-GO, membrane and BAF-GO. The results reveal that the composite membrane exhibits high durability and enhanced proton conductivity. When the doping mass ratio of BAF-GO to TF-GO is 3 : 1, the proton conductivity can be greatly improved, especially under low-humidity conditions. Excessive addition of basic groups does not enhance proton transport.