Poly(arylene ether)s with Pendant Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonic Acid Groups as Proton-Exchange Membrane Materials

• Published in: Macromolecular chemistry and physics 2011-04, Vol.212 (7), p.673-678
• Main Authors: Ghassemi, Hossein, Schiraldi, David A., Zawodzinski, Thomas A., Hamrock, Steven
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chains (polymeric); Chemical modifications; Chemical reactions and properties; Electrolytes; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; glass transitions; lithiation reactions; Maximum power; Membranes; Organic polymers; perfluorosulfonic acids; Physicochemistry of polymers; polysulfones; Potassium hydroxides; proton-exchange membranes; Relative humidity; Sulfonic acid; Sulfuric acid
• ISSN: 1022-1352; 1521-3935; 1521-3935
• DOI: 10.1002/macp.201000650

New membranes were prepared and evaluated as polymer electrolytes for PEMFCs. Polymers with PSU in the main chain and –C(O)(CF2)3SO3H in the side chain (PSU‐PSA) were synthesized by substitution of PSU‐Li and SFBF, followed by treatment with aqueous potassium hydroxide then sulfuric acid. The proton conductivity of PSU‐PSA with an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 1.12 mmol · g−1 was 0.091 S · cm−1 at 80 °C under 100% relative humidity. A hydrogen/air PEMFC test of PSU‐PSA with an IEC value of 1.12 mmol · g−1 produced a maximum power output of 0.265 W · cm−2. A DMA measurement revealed that PSU‐PSA had an α‐relaxation temperature around 196 °C which is higher than the value reported for Nafion. Polymeric electrolytes with PSU in the main chain and –C(O)CF2CF2CF2SO3H in the side chain (PSU‐PSA) are synthesized. The proton conductivity of PSU‐PSA with an IEC of 1.12 mmol·g−1 is 0.091 S·cm−1 at 80°C under 100% relative humidity. A hydrogen/air PEMFC test of PSU‐PSA with an IEC value of 1.12mmol·g−1 at 35°C and bubbler temperature of 30°C produces a maximum power output of 0.265 W·cm−2.