1 research outputs found
Synthesis and characterization of proton-conducting sol–gel membranes produced from 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene and (3-glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane
Hybrid membranes using 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene and (3-glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane have been synthesised by polymerization
of epoxy groups and inorganic condensation of silanol groups. Sulfonation processes of aromatic rings to produce attached SO3H groups are
applied to provide proton conductivity. Thermal analysis shows a highwater adsorption capacity combining SO3
− and silanol groups. The measurement
of conductivity shows a general increase with temperature, and stabilization at temperatures above 100 â—¦C. This behaviour suggests
the presence of two competing trends, one enhancing (thermal activation) and the other reducing (dehydration) conductivity. The water retention
properties provided by SO3
− and silanol groups lead to relatively high proton conductivity (maximum values around 8.5×10−4 S cm−1)
at 100–150 ◦C.Peer reviewe