[13a-A410-1~7] 12.3 Functional Materials and Novel Devices

△ [13a-A410-5] Fabrication of novel polymer electrolyte membrane filled with high-functional cellulose nanocrystals

〇Ryuichiro Shimada¹, Tomohiro Nohara², Keisuke Tabata², Kazuki Koseki², Ryota Sato², Yukina Suzuki¹, Toshihiko Arita³, Akito Masuhara^2,4 (1.Fac. of Eng. Yamagata Univ., 2.Grad. Sch. of Sci. Eng.Yamagata Univ., 3.IMRAM Tohoku Univ., 4.FROM Yamagata Univ.)

Keywords:Polymer electrolyte fuel cell, Cellulose nanocrystal, Filler-filling method

Because of excellent proton conduction properties, Nafion® has been the most promising membrane in polymer electrolyte fuel cell. However, Nafion® remains some problems such as outrageous price and high acidity. In order to address these issues, we have focused on filler-filling methods, and we have prepared the functionalized filler composed weak acid polymer (PVPA) coated cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). And the novel polymer electrolyte membrane with functionalized filler and low density polyethylene (LDPE) were prepared. We employed CNC, which can be improved mechanical strength due to high aspect ratio, PVPA having high proton conductivity in spite of weak acid group, and LDPE has high chemical and physical strength as components of polymer electrolyte membrane. These three materials are versatile. In other words, we can achieve excellent conductivity by simple method and cheap materials.