Novel aromatic polyethers bearing polar pyridine units along the main chain and side cross-linkable propenyl groups have been successfully synthesized. Their properties relating to their ability to be used as polymer electrolyte membranes for high temperature fuel cell applications, were thoroughly investigated. Cross-linked membranes were obtained by thermal curing of the cross-linkable polymers with the use of a bisazide as the cross-linking agent. The glass transition temperatures of the cross-linked membranes were determined by dynamic mechanical analysis and found to be higher compared to the neat polymers proving the successful cross-linked network. The doping ability in phosphoric acid and the proton conductivity of the cross-linked membranes were higher compared to the noncross-linked analogues. Finally, membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were constructed and tested in a single cell at temperatures between 180 and 220 °C. The superior performance of the cross-linked membranes in combination with the operating stability at 200 °C for 48 h demonstrate the potential use of these materials as electrolytes for high temperature PEM fuel cells.
New polymer electrolytes based on aromatic polyethers bearing main chain pyridine groups have been synthesised. They possess good mechanical properties, high thermal and oxidative stability and can be used as electrolytes for high temperature PEM fuel cells. A study of the influence of the chemical structure on the properties of these materials with respect to their ability to be used in high temperature PEM fuel cells was made, while a blend of the current reported polymers is tested in single cell giving encouraging preliminary results.
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