SPEEK/PPSU-based organic-inorganic membranes: proton conducting electrolytes in anhydrous and wet environments

M. Luisa Di Vona*, Alessandra D'Epifanio, Debora Marani, Marcella Trombetta, Enrico Traversa, Silvia Licoccia

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

A telechelic organic-inorganic polymer (SiPPSU) where -SiPh(OH)2 groups are covalently linked to the polymeric chain of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) was prepared and characterized. The polymer was sulfonated up to a degree of sulfonation (DS) equal to 2 (SiSPPSU), then used to prepare blends with sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK) having DS = 0.9 in 5 and 10 wt.% concentration. The synthesized polymers and the blends were characterized by ATR/FT-IR spectroscopy. Membranes were prepared with these materials and their proton conductivity was measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The formation of the blends substantially altered the physicochemical characteristics of SPEEK: the membrane prepared with the blend at the concentration of 5 wt.% exhibited high and stable conductivity values at 120 °C: both when dry (σ = 6.1 × 10-3 S/cm) and wet conditions (σ = 6.4 × 10-2 S/cm for a 50% water uptake), hence, being suitable for application as electrolyte in intermediate temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)186-191
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Membrane Science
Volume279
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Blend
  • Organic-inorganic telechelic polymer
  • Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
  • Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)
  • Proton exchange membrane

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Filtration and Separation

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