Our PhD student Andrea Stefano Basso Peressut took part to the ANM21 - Advanced Nano Materials conference with two contributions summarizing the latest results of his research activity on graphene-oxide based membranes, investigated as potential proton conductors for PEM fuel cells.
ANM is a conference series on Advanced Nano Materials that is held annually at the University of Aveiro. It encompasses many fields of the research on materials, ranging from advanced nanomaterials to magnetic and nanocomposite ones, as well as to materials for energy-related applications, with a focus on renewable technologies.
Andrea's oral contribution "Naphthalene Sulfonate-Functionalized Graphene Oxide Membranes as Potential Electrolytes for PEM Fuel Cells" deals with an innovative approach to the sulfonation of graphene oxide, consisting in the employment of naphthalene sulfonate molecules. The aim is the introduction of sulfonic acid groups to enhance water retention and proton exchanging properties of the membrane, while minimizing the alterations to the orginal structure of graphene oxide, in order to preserve its excellent self-assembling properties.
On the other hand, the flash poster presentation titled "Borate-Reinforced Sulfonated Graphene Oxide Membranes as an Alternative Proton Conductor for PEM Fuel Cells" describes the implementation of a nature-inspired solution, based on the use of sodium tetraborate decahydrate, to improve the structural stability of sulfonated graphene oxide membranes. The goal is to induce the formation of crosslinks among graphene oxide flakes by means of a thermal treatment, in order to prevent mechanical degradation issues when the membrane is assembled in the fuel cell.