Relationship between properties of hybrid ion-exchange membranes and dopant nature

Properties of hybrid materials based on perfluorinated sulfo-cation exchange MF-4SC membranes (Russian analog of Nafion) and nanoparticles with different chemical nature were studied. Influence of dopant nature (hydrophilicity, proton acceptor ability) on the ion conductivity and selectivity of transport processes is described. Obtained data are explained on the basis of the model of the semielasticity of membranes pores and channels.

► MF-4SC membranes doped by particles with different chemical nature are studied.
► Conductivity, selectivity depend on the properties of incorporated particle surface.
► Doping by SiO2 with hydrophobic surface leads to the properties' improvement.
► Doping by SiO2 with proton donor groups leads to the properties' improvement.
► Doping by SiO2 with proton acceptor groups leads to the properties' worsening.