Work

Perfluoroalkylic decorated cerium oxide nanoparticles as compatible radical scavengers in Aquivion®-based proton exchange membrane fuel cells with improved durability

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are highly efficient devices for converting chemical energy into electrical energy. At present, however, their large-scale implementation is primarily hindered by the limited lifetime of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which typically utilizes perfluorinated ionomers, such as Nafion™. Current research focuses on incorporating radical scavenging species into the MEA to enhance durability. This work investigates the use of functionalized CeO 2 nanoparticles coupled with Aquivion®, a short-side-chain ionomer that outperforms state-of-the-art Nafion™. The novelty lies in the application of organosilanes bearing fluorinated chains as grafting agents on the CeO 2 surface to improve filler-polymer compatibility. The most promising nanocomposites exhibit uniform filler dispersion, and a 50% reduction in both swelling ratio and ex-situ fluoride ions emission rate, while maintaining conductivity values above 150 mS cm −1 at 80 °C and 100% RH. Furthermore, fuel cell performance comparable to, or exceeding, pristine Aquivion® was observed, with negligible degradation after >650 h of accelerated stress testing. These findings could pave the way for a new generation of composite membranes featuring polymer-tailored scavenger functionalization.

Source: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.158193