Degradation of a sulfonated aryl ether ketone model compound in oxidative media (sPAEK)

Poor durability of polymer electrolyte membranes is one of the most limiting factors of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Hydrogen peroxide which is formed electrochemically or chemically during operation is one of the potential deteriorating factors, particularly for polyaromatic membrane...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer (Guilford) 2009-03, Vol.50 (7), p.1671-1681
Main Authors: Perrot, Carine, Gonon, Laurent, Bardet, Michel, Marestin, Catherine, Pierre-Bayle, Alain, Gebel, Gérard
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Chemical reactions and properties
Chemical Sciences
Degradation
Exact sciences and technology
Fuel cell
Organic polymers
Physicochemistry of polymers
Polymer degradation
Polymers
sPAEK
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Summary:Poor durability of polymer electrolyte membranes is one of the most limiting factors of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Hydrogen peroxide which is formed electrochemically or chemically during operation is one of the potential deteriorating factors, particularly for polyaromatic membranes. To be able to increase membrane durability, the aging path involved must be elucidated. To give an insight into the degradation mechanism of sulfonated polyaryl ether ketones (sPAEK) a study on model compound has been performed. Each species produced has been collected by liquid chromatography and identified by NMR, IR and mass spectroscopies. We have demonstrated that degradation proceeds through the addition of a hydroxyl radical on the aromatic ring. Then, the oxidation of these phenolic groups leads to several chain scissions. On the basis of these experiments, a strategy can be drawn to improve the membrane durability. [Display omitted]
ISSN:0032-3861
1873-2291
DOI:10.1016/j.polymer.2008.12.051