Facile Preparation of Proton Exchange Membranes by Blending with Side Chain Densely Functionalized Polymers

Abstract

Novel series of blended proton exchange membranes (PEMs) were prepared. The sulfonated poly(arylene ether) (cSPAE90) was successfully synthesized via conventional aromatic condensation reaction and were cross-linked by thermal treatment. The cSPAE90 polymers were blended with poly(arylene ether sulfone) whose side chains were substituted with triazoles (PAES-DTM). The blending ratio of prepared PEMs varied from 2 wt% to 10 wt% and have sufficiently high ion exchange capacity (IEC = 1.86 – 1.69 mequiv. g-1). The chemical structures of all membranes were characterized by 1 H and 19F NMR and FT-IR. For the practical application of fuel cells, the thermal, chemical and mechanical properties of all membranes were investigated. The proton conducting properties were measured over a wide range of temperatures and humidities. The proton conducting tendencies were different according to the humidity conditions, which were attributed to the proton transport abilities of triazoles.