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Synthesis and characterization of acid–base polyimides bearing pendant sulfoalkoxy groups for direct methanol fuel cell applications
Author(s) -
Qi Zhigang,
Gong Chenliang,
Liang Yu,
Li Hui,
Wu Zhongying,
Zhang Shujiang,
Li Yanfeng
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.42238
Subject(s) - membrane , sulfonic acid , thermal stability , polymer chemistry , methanol , copolymer , monomer , nafion , solvent , materials science , pyridine , direct methanol fuel cell , diamine , chemical engineering , polymer , chemistry , organic chemistry , composite material , engineering , biochemistry , electrode , electrochemistry , anode
A series of acid–base polyimides with sulfonic acid groups in the side chains have been prepared, based on a new synthesized sulfonated diamine monomer containing pyridine functional group. The effect of the introduction of pyridine groups into copolymer backbone on the properties of membrane were evaluated through the investigation of membrane parameters. The copolymers produced flexible, tough, and transparent membranes by solvent casting method. All the prepared membranes displayed high thermal stability, great oxidative stability and good mechanical properties. They exhibited appropriate water uptake (15.8–30.2 wt % at 80°C) and remarkable dimensional stability (2.5–6.9% at 80°C). The proton conductivity of SPI‐80 was 1.01 × 10 −2 S cm −1 at room temperature. Moreover, the methanol permeability of SPI‐80 membrane was 1.22 × 10 −7 cm 2 s −1 , which was lower than 23.8 × 10 −7 cm 2 s −1 of Nafion 117. Therefore, these acid‐base polyimides materials have a promising prospect for direct methanol fuel cell applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132 , 42238.