Effect of humidity and temperature on proton conduction in phosphonated copolymers. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, Avneesh; Pisula, Wojciech; Müllen, Klaus
• Is Part Of: Materials today communications. Volume 20(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Ionic copolymers -- Phosphonated materials -- Proton conduction -- Morphologies -- Fuel cells; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2019.05.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-4928

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Phosphonated block copolymers based on PVBPA and PPO are investigated for their performance against the sulfonated Nafion. The block copolymers demonstrate a competent efficiency. and can be used as membrane materials in fuel cells excluding rather expensive sulfonated ionomers. Abstract: Phosphonated block copolymers based on poly(vinylbenzyl phosphonic acid) are examined under varied humidity and temperatures for their proton conducting properties. The copolymers have rod-like poly(phenylene oxide) block that induces ordered domains. The ordered and crystalline domains are associated with higher proton conductivity. The highest conductivity approaching 10 −2 S/cm was determined under ambient conditions for the copolymer with a rather shorter PPO block. Scanning electron microscopy images of the copolymer reveal interconnected ionic domains that are related directly with the higher conduction in phosphonated block copolymer. A comparative study with sulfonated Nafion suggests that phosphonated polymers too can be used in fuel cell operating at a high temperature range.