Composite membranes based on sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone)s containing the hexafluoroisopropylidene diphenyl moiety and poly(amic acid) for proton exchange membrane fuel cell application

Composite membranes based on sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone)s containing the hexafluoroisopropylidene diphenyl moiety and poly(amic acid) with oligoaniline in the main chain have been prepared and immersed in H3PO4 to obtain acid-doped composite films. As expected, the water uptake values and methanol permeability of the composite membranes decrease with the increase of the weight fraction of PAA in the membrane matrix. Notably, the SPEEK-6F/PAA-15 shows a water uptake of 13.2% and a methanol permeability of 0.9 × 10−7 cm2 s−1, which are much lower than those of the Nafion (28.6% and 15.5 × 10−7 cm2 s−1, respectively). Although the proton conductivities decrease after the addition of PAA, higher selectivity values are obtained with the composite membranes. Therefore, the SPEEK-6F/PAA blend membranes, with the improved proton conductivity, methanol resistance and good thermal stability, can be used as a good alternative for proton conductive membranes with potential application in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).

► The sulfonated PAEK with hexafluoroisopropylidene diphenyl moiety was synthesized.
► Poly(amic acid) with oligoaniline in the main chain is blended with the SPEEK-6F.
► The composite membranes are immersed in H3PO4 to obtain acid-doped composite films.
► The membranes show improved proton conductivity and methanol resistance.