Self-Standing, Robust Membranes Made of Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) and a Protic Ionic Liquid: Toward Sustainable Electrolytes for Fuel Cells

Energy-conversion devices based on the phenomenon of proton conduction, for example, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), require low cost and sustainable electrolytes with high ionic conductivity good mechanical properties under anhydrous conditions at temperatures up to 150 °C. Biopolymers possess an intrinsic thermomechanical stability but insufficient in dry state, which however may be imparted by a protic liquid (PIL). This work presents preparation composite membranes made cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) PIL. The are thermally stable display within range 10–4–10–3 S/cm between 120 160 Moreover, analysis biopolymer’s apparent dimensions nanoscale reveals dependence CNCs’ defects, twisting, aggregation presence Preliminary tests using simple cell setup demonstrate response inlet H2 gas, generation electrical current. These findings provide solid groundwork further development future studies biopolymer/PIL energy applications.