Phosphorylated zeolite-A/chitosan composites as proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Phosphorylated zeolite-A/chitosan composites were prepared and characterized as an alternative material for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Their applicability was demonstrated by mechanical properties, swelling property, proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and thermal resistance. Chitosan was prepared from shrimp shell waste by deproteination, demineralization, and deacetylation. Chitosan was modified using zeolite A in the various concentrations. Chitosan membrane hybrid zeolite A was further modified using sodium triphosphate (STPP) as phosphorylation and glutaraldehyde as a cross linker. The SEM results showed that the membrane had rigid pores. Moreover, this research stated that phosphorylated zeolite-A/chitosan hybrid composite as an electrolyte membrane with modified natural polymers could be a solution of environmental and economical fuel cell.