Boosting dimensional stability and proton conductive of proton exchange membrane by introducing SO₃H-UiO-66 coated nanofibers

Abstract

In this work, we fabricated cross-linked pre-oxidized polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (PPNF) coating SO3H-UiO-66 coated (named SU6@PPNF), which was introduced into sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) SPEEK to produce membrane with superior proton conductivity, dimensional stability and mechanical properties under hydrated condition. The membrane displays a maximum power density of 172.1 mW cm-2 under 100% RH and 60 °C, which is an increase of 12.2% compared with primary membrane.

A simple strategy for synthesis of side-chain sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone sulfone) constructing hydrophilic/ hydrophobic phase separation structure

“…At the same time, the more sulfonic acid groups in the PEM, the higher the IEC. However, too high degree of sulfonation can lead to an increase in the swelling rate of the PEM and decrease in its dimensional stability [22][23][24][25][26]. At the same time, a point of equilibrium between proton conductivity and dimensional stability is to be found [27,28].…”