Open AccessEnhanced Electrochemical Performance of Stable SPES/SPANI Composite Polymer Electrolyte Membranes by Enriched Ionic Nanochannels
Author(s) -
Swati Gahlot,
Hariom Gupta,
Prafulla K. Jha,
Vaibhav Kulshrestha
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acs omega
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.779
H-Index - 40
ISSN - 2470-1343
DOI - 10.1021/acsomega.7b00687
Subject(s) - membrane , thermogravimetric analysis , materials science , electrolyte , chemical engineering , differential scanning calorimetry , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , thermal stability , polymer , ionic conductivity , direct methanol fuel cell , conductivity , methanol , electrochemistry , polymer chemistry , chemistry , composite material , electrode , organic chemistry , biochemistry , physics , anode , engineering , thermodynamics
Herein, we present the results of sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI) and sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES) composite polymer electrolyte membranes. The membranes are established for high-temperature proton conductivity and methanol permeability to render their applicability. Composite membranes have been prepared by modifying the SPES matrix with different concentrations of SPANI (e.g., 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 wt %). Structural and thermomechanical characterizations have been performed using the transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analyzer techniques. Physicochemical and electrochemical properties have been evaluated by water uptake, ion-exchange capacity, dimensional stability, and proton conductivity. Methanol permeability experiment was carried out to analyze the compatibility of prepared membranes toward direct methanol fuel cell application and found the lowest methanol permeability for PAS-5. Also, the membranes reveal excellent thermal, mechanical, and physicochemical properties for their application toward high-temperature electromembrane processes.