Abstract

The durability of a novel proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membrane, sulfonated polybenzophenone/poly (arylene ether) (SPK) block copolymer, was evaluated at middle temperature (80°C), low humidity (53% RH), and a low current density, 0.02Acm−2, in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell for 980h. The electrochemical properties and drain water collected from the anode and cathode were monitored during the test, followed by post-test analyses of the membrane. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and ion exchange capacity (IEC) value of the post-test membrane showed very minor changes compared to those of the pristine one. The post-test membrane retained 94% of its original weight-averaged molecular weight (Mw)org. There was no remarkable change in Qoxide (oxide formation charge of the cathode catalyst) after the test, which indicates that the specific adsorption of decomposition products of the SPK membrane on the cathode catalyst was not significant.

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