Maša Hren, Silvo Hribernik, Azra Osmić, Mark Kozamernik, Boštjan Genorio, Viktor Hacker, Michaela Roschger, Selestina Gorgieva
Novel, self-standing membranes based on chitosan (CS), incorporating N-doped reduced graphene oxide nanoribbons (N-rGONR) and crosslinked with the naturally derived genipin (GEN), were developed. FTIR confirmed successful GEN reaction with CS and the introduction of N-rGONRs, which reduced the overall crystallinity while improving its mechanical properties. The comprehensive physicochemical and electrochemical properties, including ethanol permeability, alkali uptake, dimensional stability, ionic conductivity, and durability, were evaluated. Membrane performance was assessed within the single-cell module under practical operating conditions in an alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell (ADEFC). CS-based membranes containing 0.01 wt% N-rGONR achieved a maximum power density of 6.8 mW cm-2 at 57 °C with 1 M ethanol/1 M KOH, increasing to 17.7 mW cm-2 at 3 M ethanol/5 M KOH, surpassing a commercial reference membrane. Membranes containing either N-rGONR or GEN showed superior performance in single-cell experiments; however, their combined addition demonstrated better retention of ionic conductivity over 14 days of exposure to simulated ADEFC operating conditions. This synergistic stabilisation effect of both components on CS, which when not modified completely degrades in prolonged exposure experiments, emphasises the potential of the newly developed CS-based membranes for alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell applications.
Journal of Power Sources
doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2026.240316
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