Preparation and properties of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/Analcime composite membrane for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)

The sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)/Analcime composite membranes were fabricated for fuel cell application. The SPEEK polymeric solution was blended with 5, 10, 15, 25 and 35 wt.% Analcime. The cast membranes were characterized by FTIR and SEM with EDS mode. In all cases the presence of Analcime led to a decrease in the ion-exchange capacity (IEC) and water uptake of the membranes. It was found that the composite membranes conducted the proton higher than that of Nafion® 115. However, having Analcime above 10 wt.%, the proton conductivity of the composite membrane was decreased to be lower than that of the SPEEK as the result of agglomeration of solid particles. The maximum value of conductivity 0.4016 S/cm was achieved at 90 °C from SPEEK/10% Analcime.