Proton Conductive Composite Materials with Co-continuous Phases Using Silane Functionalized and Crosslinkable PVDF Polymers

Abstract

A new composite membrane material, based on the combination of inorganic proton conductors with a chain-end and side chain functionalized PVDF-based polymer has been developed. The approach involves synthesis of this polymer serving as an effective interfacial agent, to bind and to assemble the inorganic particles into a continuous medium, synthesis of inorganic particles, dispersion of inorganic particles and film casting followed by curing with a coupling agent to form crosslinking sites in 3-D polymer network. A composite membrane containing 60% of three-dimensional phase of zirconium hydrogen phosphate and 40% of PVDF fluoropolymer with silane terminal and side chain groups was fabricated. It demonstrates a high proton conductivity in water at elevated temperature, minimal dependence on the availability of free water, and bonding compatibility between the polymer and inorganic surfaces via inorganic crosslinkers.