Abstract

AbstractPreparation of phosphoric acid composite membranes by radiation induced grafting of 4‐vinylpyridine (4‐VP) onto electron beam irradiated poly(ethylene‐co‐tetrafluoroethylene) film followed by phosphoric acid doping was investigated. The effect of grafting parameters (monomer concentration, absorbed dose, reaction time, and temperature) on the degree of grafting (G%) in the membrane precursor and its relation with the amount of acid doped was studied. The proton conductivity of the obtained membranes was evaluated in correlation with G% and temperature using ac impedance. Fourier transform infrared, thermal gravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and universal mechanical tester were used to investigate chemical composition, thermal resistance, structure, and mechanical properties of the membranes, respectively. The membranes of 34 and 49% recorded high proton conductivity in the magnitude of 10‐2 S cm‐1 without humidification. The membranes were also found to have reasonable mechanical integrity together with thermal stability up to 160°C. The obtained membranes are suggested to be less‐water dependent and have potential for testing in high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.