Synthesis and Characterization of Fluorinated Polybenzimidazole Proton Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cell

Received 31 January, 2017 Revised 20 February, 2017 Accepted 28 February, 2017 Abstract >> A fluorinated polybenzimidazole (FPBI) was synthesized from 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) of tetraamine, 2,2-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane of aromatic biscarboxylic acid, and 4,4-sulfonyldibenzoic acid of aromatic biscarboxylic acid in polyphosphoric acid (PPA). A FPBI was easily cast and made into clear films. The structure of condensation polymers and corresponding membranes were analyzed using GPC (gel permeation chromatography), H-NMR (H nuclear magnetic resonance) and FT-IR (fourier transform infrared). TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) analysis showed that the prepared membranes were thermally stable, so that elevated temperature fuel cell operation would be possible. The proton conductivity of the FPBI membranes increased with increasing temperatures in the polymer. A FPBI membrane has a maximum ion conductivity of 45 mS/cm at 90°C and 100% relative humidity.