Premium
Optimisation of Proton‐Conducting sPEEK Membranes through a Thermal Treatment Method Monitored by Dielectric Spectroscopy
Author(s) -
CórdovaChávez Miguel E.,
Hernández Marianella,
Picken Stephen J.,
Kelder Erik M.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemistryselect
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 34
ISSN - 2365-6549
DOI - 10.1002/slct.201701919
Subject(s) - membrane , glass transition , dielectric , materials science , dielectric spectroscopy , differential scanning calorimetry , ether , electrolyte , conductivity , chemical engineering , proton , polymer , polymer chemistry , proton conductor , analytical chemistry (journal) , composite material , chemistry , organic chemistry , thermodynamics , electrochemistry , optoelectronics , biochemistry , physics , electrode , quantum mechanics , engineering
The Sulfonated Poly (Ether Ether Ketone) (sPEEK) is used in many of the developments of polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cells. In this publication, it is proven that the water in the sPEEK membrane creates channels in the sulfonated clusters by interacting with the sulfonic groups, and changing the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material. It is shown that, for conductivity, apart from water in the membrane, order is needed in the water channels because it has an impact on how fast the protons pass through the membrane. This research focuses on how various thermal treatment, performed under a pre‐stated conditioning; allow the free alignment of the inner phases, influencing their order. It is demonstrated how is possible to use of differential calorimetry, dielectric measurements and X‐ray to follow these changes, and how to used Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy to forecast the most optimal and stable thermal treatment for the highest proton conduction in sPEEK. The methodology is also test successfully on a hybrid sPEEK/Boron Phosphate membrane.