(48m) Development Of Polymeric Sulfonic Acid Composite Membranes For Fuel Cell Applications

Water soluble polymers have received academic and industrial interest due to their potential applications in fuel cells and other electrochemical devices. One of the water soluble polymers that have attracted publication interest is poly (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS). Generally, some of the major performance criteria for fuel cell materials include proton conductivity, good mechanical properties, chemical stability, thermal stability and methanol permeability. PAMPS was reported to posses higher proton conductivity than partially hydrated Nafion. In addition, it has been found to be more tolerant to water fluctuation in high temperature operations. Some of the major drawbacks in the use of PAMPS are its poor mechanical properties, thermal stability and solubility in many solvents. One the approaches that have been proposed to solve these problems is development of polymer composites.

This research paper presents the synergistic effect of combining water soluble PAMPS with sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) which is non - water soluble polymer with better thermal and mechanical properties. Results of studies on the proton conductivity, morphology, mechanical and thermal stability, and transport properties of the composite will be presented. Effects of the types of solvents on the properties of the composite will also be evaluated.