Hybrids membranes with potential for fuel cells – Part 3: extruded films of nanocomposites based on sepiolite and PC/sulfonated PC blends

Abstract

Fuel Cells based in polymers are an alternative for the conventional energetic matrices. However, materials currently available still present disadvantages to overcome. Membranes of polycarbonate (PC)/sulfonated polycarbonate (PCs) blend/sepiolite nanocomposites have previously been studied by the authors, resulting in good mechanical properties and promising properties of vapor transmission and ionic migration resistance. However, their production in large scale is still a challenge. The aim of this work was the development further the formulation and processing of the previously studied material. Films of PC/PCs blends (50/50 wt%) with different content of sepiolite clay, with and without chemical modification, have been prepared in an extruder and evaluated by FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA, DMA, tension strength and water vapor transmission (WVT). Even after two processing steps, the blend-based nanocomposites keep good thermal and mechanical properties. However, changes in WVT were observed with respect to data obtained in previous studies.

A Novel Thin Film Composite Membrane for Osmotic Energy Generation

“…The two containers are connected by a flexible SPEEK/G-PVA TFC membrane, allowing ions to be transported through the TFC membrane along the salinity gradient. The ion-screening performance depends on the degree of sulfonation and the fractional free volume (FFV) of the TFC membrane. − The ion transport across the SPEEK/G-PVA TFC membrane and the control samples of PVA substrate and SPEEK-PVA membrane were characterized by the ionic current–voltage ( I – V ) curves. Applying the same voltage to the cathode and anode of the battery results in different current values, indicating different ion transport behavior of the composite membrane and the PVA sample (Figure B).…”

Prof. Adhemar is retiring from Polímeros

“…After that, he was an active member of the Editorial Committee, with a strong position favorable to the peer review system, participating himself in the system as a careful referee. In the period from 2006 to 2018 Prof Adhemar had 14 papers accepted for publication in Polímeros, the last one in volume 28 [1] .…”