Poly(p-phenylene sulfonic acid-ran-2,5-benzophenone) pore-filling membranes with highly packed acid structure and their polymer electrolyte fuel cell performances

In particular, the pores of the polyethylene microporous membrane were filled with cross-linked electrolytes with high IEC (5.1 meq g−1), derived from PPPS-BP, vinyl sulfonic acid, and triallyl isocyanurate. The membrane exhibited high proton conductivity and good single cell performance (H2/O2), equal to or higher than a commercial membrane (Nafion® HP) under a wide range of humidity conditions. The high proton conductivity appeared to be conferred by the highly packed acid structure in the membrane. The membrane also showed high mechanical durability in dry-wet cycle test. Therefore, the fabricated membrane presents as a good candidate for fuel cell applications under low relative humidity conditions.