Proton exchange membranes based on semi-interpenetrating polymer networks of polybenzimidazole and perfluorosulfonic acid polymer with hollow silica spheres as micro-reservoir

▸ Semi-IPN PEMs consist of polybenzimidazole, Nafion, and hollow silica spheres. ▸ Phosphonic acid functionalized hollow silica spheres behave like micro-reservoir. ▸ Nafion provides proton conductivity under humidified condition. ▸ Polybenzimidazole contributes conductivity at high temperature and anhydrous state. ▸ Hollow silica spheres provide conductivity between hydrated and anhydrous states.