Synthesis and properties of sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfone)s without ether linkage by Diels–Alder reaction for PEMFC application

A new sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfone) polymer (SPPS) was synthesized by Diels-Alder polymerization from 1,4-bis(2,4,5-triphenylcyclopentadienone)benzene (BTPCPB) and 4,4′-diethynylphenylsulfone, and followed by sulfonation reaction with chlorosulfuric acid. A series of sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfone)s (SPPS) with different degrees of sulfonation was prepared in a controllable manner with chlorosulfuric acid. These polymers showed good solubility in aprotic polar solvents, dimethyl acetamide (DMAC) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Three different polymer membranes were studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The ion exchange capacity (IEC) and proton conductivity of SPPS were evaluated according to the degrees of sulfonation. The water uptake (WU) of the synthesized SPPS membranes ranged from 38%∼75%, compared with 32% for Nafion 211® at 80 °C. The SPPS membranes exhibited proton conductivities (at 80 °C under 90% RH) of 110.2 mS/cm compared with 102.7 mS/cm for Nafion 211®. Power density was performed by single cell and showed similar to Nafion value.