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Multilayer Sulfonated Polyaromatic PEMFC Membranes
Author(s) -
Marrony M.,
Rozière J.,
Jones D. J.,
Lindheimer A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
fuel cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.485
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1615-6854
pISSN - 1615-6846
DOI - 10.1002/fuce.200500227
Subject(s) - membrane , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , anode , chemical engineering , bilayer , cathode , diffusion , solvent , materials science , conductivity , fuel cells , hydrogen , proton transport , casting , chemistry , electrode , composite material , organic chemistry , thermodynamics , biochemistry , physics , engineering
Sulfonated polyetheretherketone (sPEEK) membranes have been developed in which a hierarchical organisation into multilayers has been favoured during preparation using solvent casting. Bilayer membranes comprising sPEEK of different degrees of sulfonation (having ion exchange capacities between 1.1 and 1.6 meq g –1 ) have been characterised for their water uptake properties and proton conductivity. The composite membranes show no tendency to delaminate, even under prolonged operation in a hydrogen – oxygen fuel cell. By associating sPEEK of different water uptake characteristics, water back diffusion in an operating fuel cell is favoured, leading to a degree of control over the direction of water production at the anode or the cathode. Such a bilayer membrane has been operated at 110 °C without reactant gas hydration for over 900 h.