Synthesis and characterization of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (sPEEK) membranes for low temperature fuel cells

Abstract

Poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) was sulfonated with 1.0 M sulphuric acid for varying durations to have various degrees of sulfonation (DS) from 43 to 55%. The FT-IR spectra confirmed the successful sulfonation of PEEK. The sulfonated PEEK (sPEEK) membranes were prepared by a solvent casting method using dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as solvent and upon drying the membranes were characterized. The DS% and ion exchange capacity (IEC) were determined by a back titration method. The IEC and DS of sPEEK was found to increase with the increment of sulfonation reaction time. Water uptake also increased with increase in the DS. The Thermogravimetric (TGA) curves revealed poor thermal stability of sPEEK. The proton conductivity of sPEEK membrane was found to considerably better with degree of sulfonation for fuel cell application.