Linkov, Vladimir M.Shan, JiLuo, HongzeDept. of ChemistryFaculty of Science2013-06-142024-05-092007/04/162007/04/162013-06-142024-05-092005https://hdl.handle.net/10566/14434DMagister Scientiae - MScThe proton exchange membrane is one key component of direct methanol fuel cells, which has double functions of conducting protons, separating fuels and oxidant. At present, the performance and price of sulfonic acid proton exchange membrane used in direct methanol fuel cells are deeply concerned. In order to reduce membrane 's cost and improve performance of Nafion membrane, three different kinds of membranes have been studied in this thesis. These membranes are SPEEK membranes, SPEEK/ZP composite membranes and Nafion/ZP composite membranes.enFuel cellsMembranes (Technology)Proton conductivityWater uptakePhosphorized zirconium oxide nano-particles (ZP)Degree of sulfonation (DS)ThesisUniversity of the Western Cape