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Proton Conducting Hybrid Membranes Based on Aromatic Polymers Blends for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Applications
Author(s) -
de Bonis C.,
D'Epifanio A.,
Di Vona M. L.,
D'Ottavi C.,
Mecheri B.,
Traversa E.,
Trombetta M.,
Licoccia S.
Publication year - 2009
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.200800112
Subject(s) - membrane , direct methanol fuel cell , methanol , dielectric spectroscopy , methanol fuel , materials science , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , thermal stability , chemical engineering , electrolyte , polymer , electrochemistry , conductivity , polymer chemistry , chemistry , composite material , electrode , organic chemistry , biochemistry , anode , engineering
Composite membranes made‐up of sulphonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK, DS = 0.5) and of a sulphonated and silylated hybrid organic–inorganic derivative of polyphenylsulphone (SiSPPSU, DS = 2) were prepared and characterised. The water and methanol uptake, as well as thermal properties, of blend membranes containing 5 and 10 wt.‐% SiSPPSU were evaluated. The electrochemical performance of the membranes was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and tested in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) station. The presence of SiSPPSU modified the properties of SPEEK, allowing to increase its performance in terms of proton conductivity, thermal and hydrolytic stability. These blends appeared to be suitable electrolytes for DMFC applications.