DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/jksa.29.1.%25p

Membrane Electrode Assembly Based on Sulfonated Polysulfone-Activated Zeolite Composite Membrane for Fuel Cell Applications

1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, Depok, 16424, Indonesia

2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia

Received: 18 Aug 2025; Revised: 19 Jan 2026; Accepted: 20 Jan 2026; Published: 7 Feb 2026.
Open Access Copyright 2026 Jurnal Kimia Sains dan Aplikasi under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.

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Abstract
The depletion of fuel cell reserves shows the need for alternative energy sources. In this context, fuel cells provide a promising solution, generating power without emissions. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in fuel cells is a critical component to maximize combustion efficiency. Therefore, this study aims to develop MEA using a composite membrane based on sulfonated polysulfone-activated zeolite (PSfs-Z). The membrane was obtained by first sulfonating polysulfone (PSf) and then adding activated zeolite. Optimum fuel performance was achieved with the activated zeolite using 3 N HCl. Sulfonation was completed, as demonstrated by a sulfonation degree of 32.63%. The absorption bands of the SO2 group vibration from SO3H of PSfs were identified at a wave number of 1111.00 and 1259.33 cm−1. The successful formation of MEA was confirmed by its morphology, as observed using a scanning electron microscope, with the formation of a catalyst layer and a membrane in the cross-section. The highest proton conductivity and cell potential obtained for PSfs-Z 3 N MEA were 0.01727 S.cm−1 and 330 mV, respectively. This means the membrane electrode assembly based on a sulfonated polysulfone-activated zeolite composite membrane has a higher potential than the
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Keywords: Membrane electrode assembly; sulfonated polysulfone; fuel cell; activated zeolite

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Section: Research Articles
Language : EN
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