A novel proton conducting polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell applications

Abstract

A series of phenolphthalein-based sulfonated poly(ether ether sulfone) (SPEES) membranes were synthesized by aromatic nucleophilic polymerization reaction. The degree of sulfonation was controlled by direct synthesis of sulfonated polymer, which leads to high thermal stability. The physicochemical properties of the SPEES membranes were studied in order to evaluate the suitability of these membranes in fuel cell applications. The ion-exchange capacity of the synthesized SPEES membranes was found in the range between 2.19 mequiv. g−1 and 2.35 mequiv. g−1. The morphology of the membranes was investigated with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and confirmed the presence of hydrophilic domains that impart good proton conductivity. The membrane electrode assembly of SPEES-30 and SPEES-50 membranes has been successfully fabricated, where SPEES-50 produced a maximum peak power density of 643 mW cm−2 while applying in hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell.

Sulfonation mechanisms of aromatic polymers for PEMFC applications

“…The perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers, for example, Nafion * , represent the state-of-the-art materials for PEMs owing to their outstanding performances; however, PFSA ionomers are notorious for their high cost [6,7]. In order to cut down the cost of PEMs, sulfonated aromatic polymeric materials are developed as substituents of PFSA attributing to their relatively low cost and the easiness of synthesis by sulfonation of existing polymers or polymerization of sulfonated monomers [8][9][10]. These sulfonated aromatic polymeric materials are competitive candidates for PEMs because of their chemical and thermal stabilities and excellent mechanical properties of the aromatic backbones and adequate proton conductivities contributed by the high concentration of the sulfonic acid groups [11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

Unprecedented SPEEK-trimetal Oxide Composites: Physicochemical and Electrochemical Performance in Fuel Cell

“…Hence, the world is prompting to move towards the clean energy technology. Fuel cell is one of the pollution free energy conversion devices, which can be competent with conventional devices [9][10][11][12]. The major advantage of fuel cells exists in their ability to reduce the power loses upon exclusion of the intermediate steps essential with similar diesel powered engine.…”

Novel cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol)-based electrolyte membranes for fuel cell applications

“…35 Sulfonated polymer electrolytes can be obtained by either the sulfonation of a base polymer 36,37 or the synthesis of a polymer using a pre-sulfonated monomer. 38,39 PVA-based electrolyte membranes exhibit good mechanical and chemical stabilities, which are adequate for their use in the preparation of polymer electrolyte membranes. PVA itself does not exhibit ionic conductivity; however, the introduction of several organic groups, such as carboxylates, sulfonates, amines, and quaternary ammonium, produces more hydrophilic characteristics and thereby enhances the proton conductivity of PVA.…”