New PBI Membranes Doped with Methyl-Imidazolium Triflate Protic Ionic Liquid

Abstract

Due to the increasing global demand for sustainable energy sources, fuel cells are being considered as a green alternative to conventional power generation methods. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are particularly promising energy sources due to their high energy efficiency and low environmental impact. However, there is an urgent need to develop proton-conducting materials that can operate under low-humidity conditions and at high working temperatures. In this study, new proton conducting membranes were prepared using poly-2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bibenzimidazole (PBI) and varying amounts of a protic ionic liquid, methylimidazolium triflate [MeIm/TfO], through a solution casting method. The thermal properties and conductivity of these membranes were investigated. The obtained parameters indicate that PBI membranes doped with either MeIm/TfO or BuIm/TfO, which were previously studied by our group, are of definite interest for further investigation as potential electrolytes for PEMFCs.