Synthesis of Sulfonation Poly(N-propylsulfonicacid isatin biphenylene) for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Containing SiO₂ Nanocomposite Membrane.

Abstract

Polymer containing isatin was synthesized by super acid-catalyzed carbon-carbon coupling reaction. Propylsulfonic acid was grafted on isatin unit by substitution reaction with potassium salt of 3-bromo-1-propanesulfonic acid. The sulfonic acid composition was regulated at 25~80 mol% of propylsulfonic acid in order to achieve expected ion exchange capacity of maximum 2.0 meq/g. The copolymers were of high molecular weight (inherent viscosity, ηinh = 1.2 dL/g) to afford a tough membrane by solution casting. Composite membranes were prepared by sulfonated polymer and SiO₂ nanoparticles (20 nm, 4~10% wt). All these composite membranes were casted from the solution of sulfonated polymer in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to afford 25 μm. The structural properties of the synthesized polymers were investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The membranes were studied by ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, dimensional stability and proton conductivity assessment by comparing with Nafion®. As increasing the IEC values, the small hydrophobic components induced high proton conductivities and proton diffusion coefficients. These kinds of membranes without ether linkages showed low water swelling as well.