Synthesis and characterization of PVA/sulfonated graphene oxide nanocomposite membranes for used in PEMFC

A series of crosslinked organic–inorganic nanocomposite membranes have been prepared from poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO). The surface of the graphene oxide nanoparticles is modified by aryl diazonium salt of sulfanilic acid. The synthesized sulfonated graphene oxide and composite membranes were characterized using X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, SEM, DSC and impedance spectroscopy. Interestingly, sulfonated graphene oxide particles with a high surface area and small particle size showed the best results: good water uptake, long membrane life time under oxidative conditions, good termal and mechanical stability and high proton conductivity