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Covalently Cross‐Linked Sulfone Polybenzimidazole Membranes with Poly(Vinylbenzyl Chloride) for Fuel Cell Applications
Author(s) -
Yang Jingshuai,
Aili David,
Li Qingfeng,
Cleemann Lars N.,
Jensen Jens Oluf,
Bjerrum Niels J.,
He Ronghuan
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201200716
Subject(s) - membrane , polymer chemistry , phosphoric acid , materials science , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , sulfone , covalent bond , polymer , conductivity , chloride , chemical engineering , electrolyte , chemistry , organic chemistry , composite material , electrode , biochemistry , engineering
Covalently cross‐linked polymer membranes were fabricated from poly(aryl sulfone benzimidazole) (SO 2 PBI) and poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) (PVBCl) as electrolytes for high‐temperature proton‐exchange‐membrane fuel cells. The cross‐linking imparted organo insolubility and chemical stability against radical attack to the otherwise flexible SO 2 PBI membranes. Steady phosphoric acid doping of the cross‐linked membranes was achieved at elevated temperatures with little swelling. The acid‐doped membranes exhibited increased mechanical strength compared to both pristine SO 2 PBI and poly[2,2′‐( m ‐phenylene)‐5,5′‐bibenzimidazole] ( m PBI). The superior characteristics of the cross‐linked SO 2 PBI membranes allowed higher acid doping levels and, therefore, higher proton conductivity. Fuel‐cell tests with the cross‐linked membranes demonstrated a high open circuit voltage and improved power performance and durability.