Abstract
The R&D of proton exchange membrane (PEM) with high conductivity and excellent stability is still of significance for the next generation high power density PEM fuel cells. One irreconcilable challenge is that the high proton conductivity realized through high ion exchange capacity (IEC) strategy always gets along with poor membrane stability. To alleviate this contradiction, large-size planar 4,4’-(5,11-dihydroindolo[3,2-b]carbazole-6,12-diyl)diphenol (DCP) units with highly dense sulfonation were deliberately incorporated into block poly(ether sulfone)s to facilitate the formation of hydrophobic/hydrophilic nanophase-separated structure and multidirectional proton-conducting channels through strong intermolecular π-π interaction and ionic acid-base interaction. In fact, proton conductivity of our PEMs with an IEC of 1.52 mequiv g−1 is up to 248.2 mS cm−1 at 90 °C without compromising its mechanical properties. The novel multi-sulfonated poly(ether sulfone)s could give a guideline for the development of multidirectional proton-conducting membrane.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
