Using Metal-Organic Framework HKUST-1 for the Preparation of High-Conductive Hybrid Membranes Based on Multiblock Copolymers for Fuel Cells

Abstract

Novel proton-conducting hybrid membranes consisting of sulfonated multiblock copolymer of polysulfone and polyphenylsulfone (SPES) reinforced with a HKUST-1 metal-organic framework (MOF) (5, 10, and 20 wt. %) were prepared and characterized for fuel cell applications. The presence of the MOF in the copolymer was confirmed by means of FE-SEM and EDS. The hybrid membranes show a lower contact angle value than the pure SPES, in agreement with the water uptake (WU%), i.e., by adding 5 wt. % of the MOF, this parameter increases by 20% and 40% at 30 °C and 60 °C, respectively. Additionally, the presence of the MOF increases the ion exchange capacity (IEC) from 1.62 to 1.93 mequivH+ g−1. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that the hybrid membranes demonstrate high thermal stability in the fuel cell operation temperature range (<100 °C). The addition of the MOF maintains the mechanical stability of the membranes (TS > 85 MPa in the Na+ form). Proton conductivity was analyzed using EIS, achieving the highest value with a 5 wt. % load of the HKUST-1. This value is lower than that observed for the HKUST-1/Nafion system. However, polarization and power density curves show a remarkably better performance of the hybrid membranes in comparison to both the pure SPES and the pure Nafion membranes.

Energy Efficiency Evaluation and Forecasting of the Sussex Ports to Address Climate Change Concerns: a Data-driven Decision Model

“…Also, as seen in Figure 2b, the Zr MOF materials are dispersed through membrane. Zr-MOF material both provided strength to the membrane and increased the proton conductivity, causing an increase in the electric current Gorban et al 2023;Galei et al 2019) .…”

Triazole-rich 3D metal–organic framework incorporated solid electrolytes for superior proton conductivity and durability in fuel cells

“…In some recent studies, MOF modified PC-MMMs displayed outstanding properties that validate their potential to be explored as promising materials for PEM fuel cells. [14][15][16] Nitrogenous heterocycles such as imidazoles, 17,18 pyrazoles 19 and triazoles 20,21 were studied in the past by incorporating these functional groups in different polymeric membranes. The double nitrogen atoms in imidazole can act simultaneously as proton donors and acceptors and have been explored in different ways to achieve high proton conductivity.…”

Enhanced proton conductivity in a Cu-BTC thin-film membrane through lysine incorporation and a mixed matrix membrane

“…20 The addition of Cu-BTC to multiblock copolymers, such as sulfonated polysulfone and polyphenylsulfone, improves thermal stability even at elevated temperatures. 21 This combination of polymers and MOFs not only stabilizes mechanical properties but also overcomes challenges in MOF film formation, facilitating the formation of continuous proton transport channels through electrostatic interactions. 22 Besides pure acid groups (-CO 2 H, -SO 3 H, and -PO 3 H) exhibiting high proton conductivity, 23,24 certain mixed acidbase systems have superior proton conductivity to pure acid systems.…”