Abstract

AbstractThe sulfonated polysulfone/phosphotungstic acid (SPSU/PWA) composite membranes were investigated for proton exchange membranes. The influence of the interactions between sulfonic acid groups and phosphotungstic acid on the properties of composite membranes was studied in detail. The study showed that special interaction has great influence on the membrane properties. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of the composite membranes exhibited band shifts showing a possibility of intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction between SPSU and PWA additives. SPSU/PWA composite membranes were evaluated for thermal stability, ion exchange capacity, water uptake and proton conductivity. Also the extraction of PWA from the composite membranes and their chemical stability were determined. Thermal analysis of the composites showed that it promotes the decomposition temperature of the sulfonic acid groups with increase in PWA weight content. Though the IEC and water uptake decreased with increase in PWA content, the proton conductivity of the composite membranes increased with increase in PWA content. The proton conductivity of the composites with 5 wt.%, 20 wt.% and 30 wt.% PWA is 2.62×10-2, 1.34×10-1 and 1.66×10-1 s·cm-1 at 80oC, respectively.

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