Synthesis of cross‐linked composite membranes by functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes with 1,4‐butane sultone and sulfanilic acid for fuel cell

Abstract

AbstractThe materialistic viability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells predominantly depends on the membrane properties. Thus, in this paper, an emphasis was made on the preparation of cross‐linked composite electrolyte membranes. Primarily, a terpolymer was synthesized by employing monomers of phenolphthalein, 4,4′‐diflorobenzophenone, and sodium 5,5′‐carbonyl bis(2‐fluorobenzene‐sulfonate). To enhance the mechanical characteristics of the terpolymer, it was cross‐linked with bisphenol‐A diglycidyl ether. Furthermore, to boost the performance of the fuel cell of the cross‐linked terpolymer electrolyte, two different sulfonated single‐walled carbon nanotubes were incorporated into cross‐linked terpolymer matrix and the resulting developed electrolytes, respectively, denoted as Bu‐singe‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and Su‐SWCNTs membranes. The physico‐chemical characteristics of the successive electrolytes were tested using discrete techniques. Across the series of membranes, the proton conductivity of the 12 mass% of Bu‐SWCNTs and Su‐SWCNTs varied cross‐linked composite membrane was found to be 0.131 and 0.126 S cm−1 at 80 °C with a relative humidity of 100%. Similarly, the performance of the fuel cell examination ascertained the highest power density of 0.43 and 0.39 W cm−2 for the same membranes. These results are superior to the commercially available Nafion® 117 membrane. Thereby, the above‐mentioned cross‐linked composite membranes might be utilized as constructive applicants for the fuel cell.