Sulfonated aromatic polymers (SAP) are promising ionomer materials, however for applications as fuel cell membranes these polymers must be improved in terms of durability. The goal is to achieve a locally high density of functional groups such as sulfonic acid groups, but to keep the swelling low by appropriate cross- linking. Thermal cross-linking in presence of residual solvent dimethylsulfoxide without any addition of cross-linker molecules increases spectacularly the mechanical and hydrolytic stability of SAP, making them suitable for use up to 130 °C. The developed method is also inexpensive, being incorporated in the normal membrane casting procedure.
Di Vona, M.l., Sgreccia, E., Knauth, P. (2013). Cross-linked aromatic polymers for high durability PEM membranes: materials and methods. ECS TRANSACTIONS, 50(2), 1021-1030 [10.1149/05002.1021ecst].
Cross-linked aromatic polymers for high durability PEM membranes: materials and methods
Di Vona M. L.;Sgreccia E.;
2013-01-01
Abstract
Sulfonated aromatic polymers (SAP) are promising ionomer materials, however for applications as fuel cell membranes these polymers must be improved in terms of durability. The goal is to achieve a locally high density of functional groups such as sulfonic acid groups, but to keep the swelling low by appropriate cross- linking. Thermal cross-linking in presence of residual solvent dimethylsulfoxide without any addition of cross-linker molecules increases spectacularly the mechanical and hydrolytic stability of SAP, making them suitable for use up to 130 °C. The developed method is also inexpensive, being incorporated in the normal membrane casting procedure.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.