Elaboration and characterization of hybrid polymer electrolytes Nafion–TiO2 for PEMFCs

Nafion hybrid membrane containing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano-particles were elaborated by in situ sol–gel technique. Micro wave treatment was used during hybrid elaboration to 2 h. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows the crystallization of TiO2 in anatase and rutile phases. The Infrared spectroscopy IR spectrum of hybrid membranes Nafion–TiO2 confirm the presence of bonds Ti–O and Ti–OH which proves that the hybridization of the membrane by sol–gel method is successful. Atomic Force Microscopy AFM confirmed the good dispersion of TiO2 nano-particles. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and solvent uptake measurements suggest the enhancement of the membrane performance.