Semi-interpenetrating polymer network electrolyte membranes composed of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) and organosiloxane-based hybrid network

A semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) proton exchange membrane is prepared from the sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (sPEEK) and organosiloxane-based organic/inorganic hybrid network (organosiloxane network). The organosiloxane network is synthesized from 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysiane and 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid. The semi-IPN membranes prepared were stable up to 300 °C without any degradation. The methanol permeability is much lower than Nafion® 117 under addition of the organosiloxane network. The proton conductivity of semi-IPN membranes increases with an increase the organosiloxane network content; the membrane containing the 20–24 wt% organosiloxane network shows higher conductivity than Nafion® 117. The power density of the MEA fabricated with the semi-IPN membrane with 24 wt% organosiloxane network is 135 mW cm−2, much better than that of the pristine sPEEK membrane, 85 mW cm−2. Chemical synthesis of the semi-IPN membranes is identified using FTIR, and its ion cluster dimension examined using SAXS. The dimensional stability associated with water swelling and dissolution is investigated at different temperatures, and the semi IPN membranes dimensionally stable in water at elevated temperature.

► Semi-IPN type membranes are prepared based on sPEEK and organosiloxane network.
► Proton conductivity significantly increases with organosiloxane network content.
► Methanol permeability was still very low under addition of organosiloxane network.
► Power density is enhanced when the present membranes are used in MEA fabrication.