Composite Sulfonated Polyether-Ether Ketone Membranes with SBA-15 for Electrochemical Energy Systems.

A Rico-Zavala,L.G Arriaga,E Passalacqua,J L Pineda-Delgado,M.P Gurrola,S Rivas,A Carbone,A Saccà,A Alvarez,J Ledesma-García

doi:10.3390/ma13071570

Abstract

The aim of this work is the evaluation of a Sulfonated Poly Ether-Ether Ketone (S-PEEK) polymer modified by the addition of pure Santa Barbara Amorphous-15 (SBA-15, mesoporous silica) and SBA-15 previously impregnated with phosphotungstic acid (PWA) fillers (PWA/SBA-15) in order to prepare composite membranes as an alternative to conventional Nafion® membranes. This component is intended to be used as an electrolyte in electrochemical energy systems such as hydrogen and methanol Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and Electrochemical Hydrogen Pumping (EHP). The common requirements for all the applications are high proton conductivity, thermomechanical stability, and fuel and oxidant impermeability. The morphology of the composite membranes was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis. Water Uptake (Wup), Ion Exchange Capacity (IEC), proton conductivity, methanol permeability and other physicochemical properties were evaluated. In PEMFC tests, the S-PEEK membrane with a 10 wt.% SBA-15 loading showed the highest performance. For EHP, the inclusion of inorganic materials led to a back-diffusion, limiting the compression capacity. Concerning methanol permeability, the lowest methanol crossover corresponded to the composites containing 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% SBA-15.

Highlights

There is a problem in the energy sector that affects the global environment
The PWA characteristic peaks are absent in the diffraction pattern of PWA/SBA-15, the PWA could be within the SBA-15 pores
Previously supported on SBA-15, to prepare composite membranes as an alternative to Nafion®. These membranes were evaluated in three electrochemical energy systems, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), Electrochemical Hydrogen Pumping (EHP)

Summary

Introduction

There is a problem in the energy sector that affects the global environment. Problems related to energy supply and use are related to global warming, and to additional issues such as air and water pollution, acid precipitation, ozone layer degradation, deforestation and emission of radioactive substances [1]. Global energy demand continues to increase and an increase of up to an order of magnitude is expected by 2050. The search for new technologies for sustainable energy generation will become more important over time. In order to reduce these problems, several alternatives have been proposed.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion