Development of Proton Exchange Membrane for Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer

This study focuses on the development and evaluation of advanced polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) suitable for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and water electrolysis systems. Two novel membrane design strategies were investigated: (i) modification of porous PTFE substrates with dopamine and sulfonated dopamine to fabricate reinforced PTFE/Nafion composite membranes, and (ii) surface engineering of oligomeric silsesquioxane polyhedral (OSP) nanoparticles with polydopamine for enhancing the properties of OSP/Nafion composite membrane. The composite membranes were designed to overcome limitations of dimensional instability, fuel crossover, and poor performance under variable conditions like temperature and humidity. Comprehensive material characterization, chemical/electrochemical property analysis, and single-cell performance evaluation were carried out to assess enhanced properties through hydration behavior, proton conductivity, durability, and degradation pathways. Particular attention was given for understanding interfacial compatibility and the role of nanostructured fillers in tailoring membrane microstructure and their transport properties. The finding highlights the correlation of structure, property, and performance of the developed membrane that provides valuable guidelines for designing the next-generation electrolyte membranes for sustainable hydrogen energy technologies.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Grantor

University of Houston

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Bhandari, Subash Chandra

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bose, Anima

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Varghese, Oomman K
• Robles Hernandez, Francisco C
• Chen, Shuo
• Freelon, Byron K

• Fuel cells
• Proton exchange membranes
• Electrolyzers

Language dc:language.iso

English

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10657/20911

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uh-ir.tdl.org:10657/20911