Proton Conductive Membranes from Covalently Cross‐Linked Poly(Acrylate)/Silica Interpenetrating Networks

Abstract

The preparation of hybrid proton conductive membranes that comprise of covalently linked interpenetrating polymer and inorganic networks is reported. The hybrid membranes are synthesized via simultaneous photo‐initiated polymerization and sol–gel processing. The simultaneous processing permeates fabrication of the membranes that comprises covalently cross‐linked polymeric and inorganic networks. The membranes are characterized by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scaning electron microsopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, in order to confirm their chemical composition, structure, and morphology. An addition of 3‐methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane into the sol–gel composition allows the formation of covalent linkages between polymeric and inorganic networks, which facilitates a uniform distribution of the molecular components across the fabricated membranes. The incorporation of the silica network leads to an increase in water retention and proton conductivity of hybrid membranes as compared to their purely polymeric analogues.

Modeling of Electrochemical Impedance of Fuel Cell Based on the Novel Nanocomposite Membrane

“…MAPTMS precursor has an acrylate moiety that allows it to be incorporated into the polymer chain. At the same time, MAPTMS contains methoxysilyl group that can be hydrolyzed to silanol [-Si(OH)3] in aqueous medium and condensed into a cross-linked silica network [18]. Thus, organic and inorganic components are joined in the hybrid material by chemical bonds.…”

“…% of the sol-gel system were added, relatively. The sol-gel procedure was similar to those described in [18]: TEOS and MAPTMS precursors, ethanol, distilled water and orthophosphoric acid were mixed in the following ratio: TEOS:MAPTMS:C2H5OH:H2O:H3PO4 = 0.75:0.25:4:4:1.2 (mol). The system was continuously stirred at 500 rpm in a water bath at 323К for 180-200 min until the mixture became homogeneous.…”

Modeling of Electrochemical Impedance of Fuel Cell Based on Novel Nanocomposite Membrane

“…The MAPTMS precursor has an acrylate moiety that allows it to be incorporated into the polymer chain. At the same time, MAPTMS contains a methoxysilyl group that can be hydrolyzed to silanol [-Si(OH) 3 ] in an aqueous medium and condensed into a cross-linked silica network [25]. Thus, both organic and inorganic parts are joined in the hybrid material by chemical bonds.…”

“…% of the solgel system were added, respectively. The sol-gel procedure was similar to that described in [25], and TEOS and MAPTMS precursors, ethanol, distilled water, and orthophosphoric acid were mixed in the following ratio: TEOS:MAPTMS:C 2 H 5 OH:H 2 O:H 3 PO 4 = 0.75:0.25:4:4:1.2 (mol). Components were continuously stirred (500 rpm) at 323 K for 180-200 min until the mixture became homogeneous.…”