Ternary hybrid (SPEEK/SPVdF-HFP/GO) based membrane electrolyte for the applications of fuel cells: profile of improved mechanical strength, thermal stability and proton conductivity

Abstract

Ternary hybrid membranes composed of sulfonated (poly ether ether ketone) (SPEEK), sulfonated polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (SPVdF-HFP) and 1, 3, 5 or 7 wt% graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated using a facile solution casting method.

Sulfonated graphene oxide/Nafion composite membranes for high temperature and low humidity proton exchange membrane fuel cells

“…40 In The internal morphology and ller dispersion of the composite membranes are signi-cant factors in determining macroscopic properties such as water uptake, proton conductivity, mechanical strength and gas permeability. 28 Surface and cross-sectional SEM images of pristine recast Naon, Naon/GO-3 and Naon/SGF-3 are displayed in Fig. 3a-f.…”

“…Aerward, the water on the surface of membranes was carefully blotted with tissue paper and mass, length and thickness of membranes were measured again. 5,28 The measurement was repeated three times for each membrane using different specimens, and the average value was used for calculation. % of changes in mass, length and thickness were calculated using the eqn (3)- (5):…”

Amelioration in physicochemical properties and single cell performance of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) block copolymer composite membrane using sulfonated carbon nanotubes for intermediate humidity fuel cells

“…At high DS, the polymer suffers from severe dimensional changes that result to accelerated mechanical degradation and complete dissolution at high temperatures. 16 Thus, in order to obtain an excellent proton conductivity without sacrificing the mechanical integrity of membranes, SPEEK blocks were copolymerized with a partially fluorinated hydrophobic backbone via a nucleophilic substitution reaction. Partially fluorinated PAES, because of its C─F bond and hydrophobicity, provides improved thermal, mechanical, and chemical stabilities to the membranes.…”

“…However, there is a tradeoff between increased degree of sulfonation (DS) and durability of SPEEK. At high DS, the polymer suffers from severe dimensional changes that result to accelerated mechanical degradation and complete dissolution at high temperatures . Thus, in order to obtain an excellent proton conductivity without sacrificing the mechanical integrity of membranes, SPEEK blocks were copolymerized with a partially fluorinated hydrophobic backbone via a nucleophilic substitution reaction.…”

Fabrication of Binary Sulfonated Poly Ether Sulfone and Sulfonated Polyvinylidene Fluoride‐Co‐Hexafluoro Propylene Blend Membrane as Efficient Electrolyte for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

“…8 The necessary qualities of PEM are listed as follows: (1) physical integrity, (2) chemical stability, (3) water transport characteristics, and (4) proton transfer abilities. 11 But, high price and limited operating temperature (0 to 80 C) still hampered the wide utilization of Nafion membranes. 11 But, high price and limited operating temperature (0 to 80 C) still hampered the wide utilization of Nafion membranes.…”