Structural Examination of Advanced Sulfonated Polyarylenethioethersulfone Polymer and Copolymer Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications

摘要

Fuel cells have received considerable attention from researchers due to their promising potential as a pollution-free energy source and an alternative for oil-based fuels. Small, light-weight fuel cells operating between 70 and 140°C enable numerous portable power sources, which are desired for applications ranging from automotive to unmanned aerial vehicles. Critical to the efficiency of these fuel cells is the membrane, which serves to separate reactant gases and act as an electrolyte for transporting protons from anode to cathode. Highly sulfonated endcapped polyarylenethioethersulfone polymers show considerable promise for membranes operating at these elevated temperatures (>120°C). The homopolymer (SPTES100) and its copolymers (SPTES 80, SPTES 70, SPTES 60, SPTES 50) have shown proton conductivity superior to Nafion (SPTES100, SPTES 80 and SPTES 70 are 3-4 times higher than Nafion at elevated temperatures). Additionally, these polymers exhibit excellent thermal and mechanical properties and form tough, flexible films.