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Synthesis and characterization of SPE membrane based on sulfonated FEP‐g‐acrylic acid by radiation induced graft copolymerization for PEM fuel cell
Author(s) -
Patri M.,
Hande Varsha R.,
Phadnis Swati,
Somaiah B.,
Roychoudhury Suhasini,
Deb P. C.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.472
Subject(s) - membrane , nafion , acrylic acid , copolymer , electrolyte , materials science , conductivity , polymer chemistry , ionic conductivity , swelling , grafting , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , chemical engineering , polymer , ionic bonding , ion exchange , nuclear chemistry , chemistry , ion , organic chemistry , composite material , electrode , electrochemistry , biochemistry , engineering
A Novel solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membrane containing both COOH and SO 3 H group has been prepared by simultaneous method of radiation grafting of acrylic acid onto FEP followed by sulfonation. The presence of weakly acidic acrylic acid controls the swelling in water while SO 3 H group provides conductivity due to its strongly ionic characteristic. FEP‐g‐acrylic acid and its sulfonated derivatives were characterized by their properties. While the mechanical properties decreased, other properties such as ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake and ionic conductivity increased with increase in graft content. These properties further changed on sulfonation. Acrylic acid being weakly acidic in nature, conductivity values of the grafted membrane were quite low. However, introduction of strong SO 3 H group resulted in conductivity closer to Nafion 117. Few sulfonated membranes have been tested with respect to H 2 /O 2 fuel cell performance. Short‐term fuel cell test for 100 hr gave a stable performance. These membranes are less expensive compared to Nafion. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.