Abstract

A series of poly(phenylenebenzophenone)s with sulfonic acid groups via long alkyl side chains, SPPBPs, were successfully prepared as proton exchange membranes for fuel cells. The new monomer, 1,4-dichloro-2,5 diphenylenemethoxybenzophenone (PMBP) was synthesized by the Friedel–Crafts reaction of tetrachloroterephthalate with anisole and copolymerized with 1,4-dichloro-2,5-diphenylenebenzophenone (PBP) to prepare poly(phenylenebenzophenone)s copolymers containing dimethoxy groups (sPPMBP). After converting the methoxy group to the reactive hydroxyl group, the resulting side-chain-type sulfonated copolymers (SPPBP) were obtained by a sulfopropylation reaction. These SPPBP series membranes showed high proton conductivity in the range of 98.4–162.1 mS/cm 80 °C under 90% hydrated conditions. SPPBP-40 (IEC = 2.45 meq./g) showed comparable higher proton conductivity (162.1 mS/cm) than Nafion 211 (130.2 mS/cm) in the 90% hydrated state. The membranes were studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis, ionic exchange capacity, water uptake, and proton conductivity. Also surface morphologies were assessed by atomic force microscope (AFM).

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.