Cross-linked tri-side chains poly(arylene ether ketone)s containing pendant alkylsulfonic acid groups for proton exchange membranes

In order to enhance the ion exchange capacity (IEC) in the proton exchange membrane materials, a novel sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) (SQNPAEK) containing tri-side chains in one unit is synthesized by direct polymerization. The SQNPAEK membrane shows excellent proton conductivity up to 0.102 S cm−1 at 80 °C, which are superior to previous side-chain-type and main-chain-type sulfonated polymer membranes at similar IEC. Cross-linked membranes are then obtained by a heating reaction at 190 °C, using 4,4′-diglycidyl (3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbiphenyl) epoxy resin (TMBP) as the cross-linker. As expected, the water uptake and the methanol permeability of the cross-linked membranes decrease with increasing the content of TMBP. Compared to Nafion 117, the cross-linked membranes show comparable proton conductivities and much higher selectivities, which are in the range of 5.18 × 105–1.46 × 106 S s−1 cm3. Other properties of the cross-linked membranes, such as mechanical properties, thermal properties, are also investigated. All the results indicated that the cross-linked membranes based on SQNPAEKs and TMBP are promising candidate for direct methanol fuel cells.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Novel side-chain-type polymer with sulphonic acid groups was synthesized. ► Cross-linked membranes were obtained by thermal curing with TMBP. ► The cross-linked membranes had excellent selectivities and high proton conductivity. ► Other measurement showed that the cross-linked membranes had excellent properties.