Synthesis and performance study of a novel sulfonated polytriazole proton exchange membrane

Abstract

Sulfonated polytriazole (SPTA) proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with a series of sulfonation degrees was synthesized based on click chemistry from a rigid diazide monomer, 4,4′-bis(azidomethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl (BAMB), with 2,2-bis[(4-propargyloxy)phenyl]propane (BPBPA) and 4,4′-diazido-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid disodium salt (DSDA). The structure of the copolymers was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). As a result of the introduction of rigid biphenyl structure and the ionic interaction between triazole rings and sulfonic acid groups, the SPTA membranes exhibited higher water uptake and lower swelling ratio compared to NRE211 membrane, indicating excellent dimensional stability. AC impedance revealed that the proton conductivity of SPTA membranes ranged from 2.5 to 35 mS/cm at 30 °C and 13–105 mS/cm at 80 °C. Besides, the membranes have high thermal and oxidative stability, good mechanical property, and low methanol permeability as well.