Characterization of a graphene oxide membrane fuel cell

The electrical, mechanical, and compositional characterization of a graphene oxide membrane is presented, and its application as an electrolyte material in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is explored. Self-supporting graphene oxide membranes were prepared by a simple vacuum filtration process and, for the first time, characterized as the electrolyte in a fuel cell operating in an elevated temperature range (30-80 °C), with a maximum power density of ∼34 mW cm^-2, approaching that of a Nafion electrolyte based cell prepared and tested under similar conditions. Evidence for partial membrane reduction was found at higher temperatures and is believed to originate from more easily released, higher energy oxide groups, such as epoxides. We also discuss the morphology, the mechanical properties, chemical composition, and electrical conductivity of the graphene oxide membranes, with comparisons made to conventional Nafion membranes.