Development of Pyridine Polybenzimidazole/Boron Nitride Composite Proton Exchange Membranes for Potential Use on High-Temperature Fuel Cells

Ali A. H., Pekdemir Z., Erünal E., AKAY R. G.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, cilt.210, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 210
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.153588
  • Dergi Adı: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Boron nitride, Composite materials, High temperature proton exchange membrane, Phosphoric acid retention, Pyridine polybenzimidazole
  • Kocaeli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The incorporation of amine functionalized hexagonal boron nitride nanofillers (NH2-h-BN) at various amounts (10–20 %wt) to pyridine-based polybenzimidazole (Py-PBI) for the next-generation high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells was studied. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to examine the structure, morphology and thermal properties of the pristine Py-PBI and Py-PBI/NH2-h-BN composite membranes. Moreover, the proton conductivity, chemical stability and ion exchange capacity of the membranes were examined. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed uniform dispersion of NH2-h-BN through Py-PBI membrane. The synergistic system showed significantly enhanced proton conductivity, acid retention, and oxidative stability through strong acid-base and hydrogen-bonding interactions between amine, pyridine, and imidazole nitrogen sites. The 10 wt% addition of NH2-BN to Py-PBI membrane exhibited the highest proton conductivity of 0.31 S cm−1 at 180 °C indicating efficient Grotthuss-type proton transport.