Synthesis and characterization of composite membranes based on α-zirconium phosphate and silicotungstic acid

The functional properties of the composite membrane generated from polyvinyl alcohol, zirconium phosphate and silicotungstic acid are described. The fabricated membranes were characterized by using FT-IR, XRD, TGA, DSC and SEM techniques. These fabricated membranes showed reduced methanol cross over (for possible application in DMFC) relative to that of Nafion® 115. A maximum proton conductivity of 10−2 S cm−1 at 60% RH was attained with 30 wt% STA incorporated composite membrane. This is however lower than that observed for Nafion® 115 at 100% RH.