Synthesis and characterization of proton exchange membranes based on sulfonated poly(fluorenyl ether nitrile oxynaphthalate) for direct methanol fuel cells

A series of sulfonated poly(fluorenyl ether nitrile oxynaphthalate) (SPFENO) copolymers with different degree of sulfonation (DS) are synthesized via nucleophilic polycondensation reactions with commercially available monomers. Incorporation of the naphthalanesulfonate group into the copolymers and their copolymer structures are confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Thermal stability, mechanical properties, water uptake, swelling behavior, proton conductivity and methanol permeability of the SPFENO membranes are investigated with respect to their structures. The electrochemical performance of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) assembled with the SPFENO membrane was evaluated and compared to a DMFC with a Nafion 117 membrane. The DMFC assembled with the SPFENO membrane of proper DS exhibits better electrochemical performance compared to the Nafion 117-based cell.

► A series of SPFENO copolymers with different degree of sulfonation are synthesized. ► SPFENO-based membranes show high proton conductivity and low methanol permeability. ► SPFENO-40 membrane exhibits better cell performance than that of Nafion 117.