Electrochemical and structural characterization of sulfonated polysulfone Articles uri icon

publication date

  • August 2015

start page

  • 185

end page

  • 193

volume

  • 45

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0142-9418

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1873-2348

abstract

  • We describe the synthesis, as well as the electrochemical and structural characterization, of sulfonated polysulfone intended for use in PEM fuel cells. Starting from a commercial polysulfone, we assessed the performance of these prepared ionomers using synthesis protocols compatible with industrial production. The efficiency of the trimethylsilyl chlorosulfonate and chlorosulfonic acid reagents in the sulfonation process was confirmed by H-1 NMR, FTIR, elemental analysis, chemical titration and thermal analysis (DSC and TGA). Chlorosulfonic acid was the most effective sulfonation reagent. However, based on SEC-MALLS, this reagent induced degradation of the backbone that is detrimental to the thermomechanical stability and lifespan of the membranes. The electrical characterization of the membranes was undertaken using impedance spectroscopy in contact with different HCl aqueous solutions at various temperatures. The activation energies, which ranged from 8.2 to 11 kJ/mol, were in agreement with the prevailing proton vehicular mechanism. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

subjects

  • Electronics
  • Materials science and engineering

keywords

  • sulfonated polysulfone; chlorosulfonic acid; tmscs; impedance spectroscopy; pemfc