Preparation and characterization of new types of sulfonated poly(ether sulfide sulfone) for application in fuel cell

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sulfonated polysulfone membranes are among the best candidate for fuel cells. The main challenges are obtaining high conductivity and mechanical properties. Accordingly, disulfonated poly(ether sulfide sulfone) copolymer flexible films were prepared via reaction of bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) sulfide with sulfonated and non-sulfonated bis(4-fluorophenyl) sulfone, and subsequent solution casting. Thermal and mechanical properties, water uptake, oxidative stability, and ion exchange capacity were investigated. Proton conductivity of copolymers at 80°C was 0.131–0.198 S cm−1. Polymer with 45% degree of sulfonation showed optimized favorable properties. Copolymers indicated acceptable properties compared with Nafion that was partially related to the presence of flexible hydroxyphenyl sulfide moiety.