학술논문
Nanostructure and Properties of Sulfonated Polyarylenethioethersulfone Copolymers as Proton Exchange Fuel Cell Membranes
Document Type
Journal Article
Author
Source
Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics; 45
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
A systematic investigation of properties and nanostructure of sulfonated polyarylenethioethersulfone (SPTES) copolymer proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications has been presented. SPTES copolymers are high temperature resistant (250 C), and form tough films with excellent proton conductivity up to 170 {+-} 5 mS/cm (SPTES 70 @ 85 C, 85%RH). Small angle X-ray scattering of hydrated SPTES 70 revealed the presence of local water domains (diameter {approx}5 nm) within the copolymer. The high proton conductivity of the membranes is attributed to the formation of these ionic aggregates containing water molecules, which facilitate proton transfer. AFM studies of SPTES 70 as a function of humidity (25-65%RH) showed an increase in hydrophilic domains with increasing humidity at 22 C.