Densely sulfonated block copolymer composite membranes containing phosphotungstic acid for fuel cellmembranes

Journal of Membrane Science, Volume 434, 1 May 2013, Pages 35–43
Densely sulfonated block copolymer composite membranes containing phosphotungstic acid for fuel cell membranes
Kyu Ha Lee (a), Ji Young Chu (a), Ae Rhan Kim (b), Kee Suk Nahm (a),  (b),  (d), Cheol-Ju Kim (c), Dong Jin Yoo (a),  (d)
a Department of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Engineering, Specialized Graduate School, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Center, Chonbuk National University, Jellabuk-do 561-756, Korea
b Division of Chemical Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeollabuk-do 561-756, Korea
c Department of Chemistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeollabuk-do 561-756, Korea
d R&D Education Center for Specialized Graduate School of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jellabuk-do 561-756, Korea
Abstract
Describes results of a study of the synthesis and properties of densely sulfonated poly(arylene biphenylsulfone ketone) block copolymer and its composite membranes including phosphotungstic acid (PWA). Researchers prepared block copolymer composite membranes by mixing the block copolymer with a commercial PWA. The composite membranes displayed good thermal stabilityaw well as lower water uptake than the unfilled membranes.
They confirmed crystalline phases and morphologies using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FSEM), respectively. The composite membranes displayed relevant ion exchange capacity (IEC), as well as good proton conductivity especially at elevated temperature. The fabricated composite membrane exhibited a maximum fuel cell power density of 150 mW cm⁻², which was much higher that of Block-19 membrane is a candidate for potential application in fuelcells.
Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376738813000744