1 research outputs found
Cross-Linked Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether sulfone) Containing a Flexible and Hydrophobic Bishydroxy Perfluoropolyether Cross-Linker for High-Performance Proton Exchange Membrane
Here
we show a simple and effective cross-linking method to prepare a high
performance cross-linked sulfonated polyÂ(arylene ether sulfone) (C-SPAES)
membrane using bishydroxy perfluoropolyether (PFPE) as a cross-linker
for fuel cell applications. The C-SPAES membrane shows much improved
physicochemical stability due to the cross-linked structure and reasonably
high proton conductivity compared to the non-cross-linked SPAES membrane
due to the incorporation of flexible PFPE and the effective phase-separated
morphology between the hydrocarbon and perfluorinated moieties forming
well-connected networks. Under intermediate-temperature and low humidity
conditions (90 °C, 50% RH, and 150 kPa), the membrane electrode
assembly employing the C-SPAES membrane reveals an outstanding cell
performance (1.17 W cm<sup>–2</sup> at 0.65 V) ascribed to
its reasonably high proton conductivity and enhanced interfacial compatibility
between the perfluorinated moieties in the electrode and C-SPAES membrane.
Furthermore, a hydration–dehydration cycling test result at
90 °C reveals that the C-SPAES membrane has notable durability
against rigorous operating conditions