Synthesis and characterization of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (SPEEK)/ CNTs composite proton exchange membrane for application in fuel cells. (2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maajal Ali, Mawlood; Azam, Ameer; Rizvi, S.J.A.
• Is Part Of: Materials today. Volume 5:Number 9(2018)Part 3
• Page Start: 17901
• Page End: 17905
• Publication Date: 2018
• Subjects: Carbon nanotubes -- Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells -- Fourier transform spectra; Materials science -- Congresses -- Periodicals; 620.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2018.06.118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-7853

Abstract

Abstract: Sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (SPEEK) membrane was synthesized and evaluated for its application in proton exchange membrane. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and SPEEK composite membrane was also prepared using solution casting method and evaluated for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) application. The FT-IR and UV- visible spectra confirmed the successful sulfonation of PEEK. Results showed an increase in ion exchange capacity (IEC) value from 1.426mmol/g to 1.502mmol/g for SPEEK and SPEEK/0.7%CNTs composite. The degree of sulfonation (DS %) was determined by back titration method and the value was found to be 46% and 49 % for SPEEK and SPEEK/0.7%CNTs composite respectively. The conductivity of the SPEEK membrane was found to be 9.93 mS/cm and for composite membrane (SPEEK/0.7%CNTs) the value of conductivity exceeded approximately two times and found to be 22.44 mS/cm. The ratio of water uptake and swelling was observed to decrease proving the good quality of the membrane.