High-Performance Polymer Composite Membranes for Selective Ion Transport in Advanced Energy Conversion Systems

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 03 | Page :
    By

    Shanthi Kumaraguru,

  • Prashant V. Thokal,

  • P. William,

  • Ganesh P. Dawange,

  • Dharmendra Kumar Roy,

  • Pravin B. Khatkale,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Information Technology, D Y Patil College of Engineering, Akurdi, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Sanjivani College of Engineering, Kopargaon, Maharashtra, India
  3. Professor (Research),, School of Computer Science and Technology, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Structural Engineering, Sanjivani College of Engineering, Kopargaon, Maharashtra, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Hyderabad Institute of Technology and Management, Medchal, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  6. Controller of Examination, School of Engineering and Technology, Sanjivani University, Kopargaon, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The development of high-performance Polymer Composite Membranes (PCM) with enhanced ion transport is essential for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC). However, low-humidity conditions and filter agglomeration still limit long-term membrane stability. This research designs a functionalized PCM integrating cross-linked Poly (Vinyl Alcohol)/Poly (Ethylene Glycol) (PVA/PEG) matrix with sulfonic acid functional groups and Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) nanofillers to improve selective ion transport under low-humidity conditions. Two types of PCM were fabricated using controlled solution casting and chemical cross-linking to enhance mechanical stability and dimensional integrity. The resulting membranes were comprehensively characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate crystallinity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for functional group analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine morphological features. Physicochemical properties, including water uptake, swelling ratio, and ion exchange capacity (IEC), were systematically analyzed. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed to determine ionic conductivity and transport efficiency. The second type achieved reduced water uptake of 28.1%, controlled swelling ratio of 14.6%, and improved IEC of 1.48 meq/g. XRD analysis confirmed reduced crystallinity and increased amorphous regions for enhanced ion mobility. SEM analysis revealed a denser and more compact morphology with uniformly distributed TiO₂ nanoparticles. FTIR analysis confirmed improved hydrogen bonding interactions and continuous proton-conducting pathways. EIS analysis showed ionic conductivity improvement from 1.41×10⁻³ S/cm to 2.00×10⁻³ S/cm with bulk resistance reduction from 85Ω to 60Ω, confirming superior electrochemical performance for PEMFC applications. demonstrated superior conductivity, reduced crystallinity, enhanced proton transport, and balanced mechanical integrity for PEMFC applications.

Keywords: Polymer Composite Membranes, Selective Ion Transport, Proton Conductivity, Functional Nanofillers, Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells, Energy Conversion Systems

How to cite this article:
Shanthi Kumaraguru, Prashant V. Thokal, P. William, Ganesh P. Dawange, Dharmendra Kumar Roy, Pravin B. Khatkale. High-Performance Polymer Composite Membranes for Selective Ion Transport in Advanced Energy Conversion Systems. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-.
How to cite this URL:
Shanthi Kumaraguru, Prashant V. Thokal, P. William, Ganesh P. Dawange, Dharmendra Kumar Roy, Pravin B. Khatkale. High-Performance Polymer Composite Membranes for Selective Ion Transport in Advanced Energy Conversion Systems. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=245920


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
03
Received 22/05/2026
Accepted 02/06/2026
Published 04/06/2026
Publication Time 13 Days
16

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