Hybrid anion-exchange membranes derived from quaternized polysulfone and functionalized titanium dioxide

Polysulfone is modified via chloromethylation and TiO2 is functionalized by three modification reagents (anionic surfactant, 1,3-propane sultone and Dopamine). Based them, a series of promising organic-inorganic hybrid membranes for anion-exchange membrane fuel cells have been prepared by incorporating functionalized TiO2 submicrospheres into the chloromethylated polysulfone, subsequent quaternization and alkalization. The chloromethylation process is confirmed by Nuclear magnetic resonancespectra. The functionalization of TiO2 is proved through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric analysis. The quaternization is testified by contact angle measurement. Associated characteristics of the hybrid membranes were investigated, including water uptake, swelling behavior, mechanical property and ion conductivity. Compared with other anion-exchange membranes, the hybrid membranes containing 5% TiO2 with –SO3H groups exhibits higher ionic conductivity because of the acid-base ionic interactions between the inorganic filler and polymer chains. It demonstrates an ionic conductivity of 3.13 × 10−2 S/cm and an acceptable alkaline solution stability at 60 °C.