Poly(p-phenylene sulfonic acid-ran-2, 5-benzophenone) pore-filling membranes with highly packed acid structure and their polymer electrolyte fuel cell performances. (14th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ichimura, Shunsuke; Sota, Yasuhiro; Ishikawa, Junji; Imanishi, Yoshiki; Kitamura, Kota; Tsujii, Shoji; Yamaguchi, Takeo
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 41:Number 46(2016)
• Page Start: 21461
• Page End: 21469
• Publication Date: 2016-12-14
• Subjects: PEFC -- Pore-filling electrolyte membrane -- Proton conductivity -- Sulfonated hydrocarbon polymer -- Electron beam; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.06.261
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: We synthesized Poly( p -phenylene sulfonic acid- ran -2, 5-benzophenone) (PPPS-BP) with high ion exchange capacity (IEC). This polymer formed a highly packed acid structure in the pores of porous thin substrates. In addition, the filled electrolyte polymer was cross-linked to obtain a practical membrane. In particular, the pores of the polyethylene microporous membrane were filled with cross-linked electrolytes with high IEC (5.1 meq g −1 ), derived from PPPS-BP, vinyl sulfonic acid, and triallyl isocyanurate. The membrane exhibited high proton conductivity and good single cell performance (H2 /O2 ), equal to or higher than a commercial membrane (Nafion ® HP) under a wide range of humidity conditions. The high proton conductivity appeared to be conferred by the highly packed acid structure in the membrane. The membrane also showed high mechanical durability in dry–wet cycle test. Therefore, the fabricated membrane presents as a good candidate for fuel cell applications under low relative humidity conditions. Highlights: Cross-linked pore-filling electrolyte membrane with high IEC electrolyte polymer was successfully obtained. IEC of obtained filling polymer is 5.1 meq g −1 . Obtained membrane showed high proton conductivity at low relative humidity. Obtained membrane showed good cell performance and mechanical durability.