Grafted porous PTFE/partially fluorinated sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) composite membrane for PEMFC applications

► Hydrophilic polystyrenesulfonate is chemically grafted onto hydrophobic PTFE substrate. ► Partially fluorinated FSPAEK improves the interfacial compatibility between membrane and Nafion® electrode. ► Grafted PTFE substrate exhibits close combination state with FSPAEK. ► The mechanical stability of FSPAEK/grPTFE composite membrane is improved at both dry and wet states.