Synthesis and basic properties of proton exchange membranes based on phosphotungstic acid/silica and sulfonated polysulfone

摘要

Membranes based on sulfonated polysulfone (SPSF), phosphotungstic acid (PWA) and nano-silica (SiO2) was prepared. The synthesized SPSF with a degree of sulfonation (DS) of 69.75% was used for preparing all the composites. The analyses of proton conductivity and mechanical properties of the membranes revealed that PWA and SiO2 produced a beneficial effect on proton conduction of the membranes. The membrane with 20 wt.% of SiO2 and 13 wt.% of PWA is mechanically stable and has proton conductivity of 0.15 S cm-1 at 90°C and 100% relative humidity. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the membranes were thermally stable up to about 280°C. PWA and SiO2 doped SPSF is a promising material for proton exchange membrane according to the obtained results.