Improving protonic conduction of membranes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Method for the modification of proton-conducting Nafion membranes by using a zirconium citrate one-substituted salt, aimed at the improving of characteristics of membranes for polymer-electrolyte-based fuel cells, is suggested. In the method, the membrane is impregnated first with zirconyl chloride and then with citric acid; an insoluble sol is thus formed in the membrane pores. The impregnation is carried out in ultrasound bath, using an isopropyl alcohol-water solvent, to make it more rapid and uniform. It is shown that the impregnation lowers the real component of the membrane impedance. The discharge characteristics of the impregnated and nonimpregnated membranes are compared.