Synthesis and characterization of a series of SPEEK/TiO2 hybrid membranes for direct methanol fuel cell

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 109; no. 2; pp. 1057 - 1062
• Main Authors: Dou, Zhiyu, Zhong, Shuangling, Zhao, Chengji, Li, Xianfeng, Fu, Tiezhu, Na, Hui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.07.2008; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; membranes; nanoparticles; PEM; Polymer industry, paints, wood; SPEEK; Technology of polymers; TiO2; Titanium IV Oxides; Transport properties; Hybrid material; Temperature effect; Ether copolymer; Composite material; Sulfonate copolymer; composites; nanoparticles; Proton conductivity; SPEEK; Nanocomposite; Methanol; Ionomer; Electrical properties; Alcohol fuel cells; Experimental study; Ketone copolymer; membranes; Sol gel process; Preparation; Concentration effect; Cation exchange membrane; PEM; Liquid permeability; TiO2
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.25127

Through sol‐gel reactions, a series of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)/TiO2 hybrid membranes with various contents of nano‐sized TiO2 particles were prepared and characterized. It was found that with the increasing of the TiO2 contents in the hybrid membranes, the water uptake and water retention increased. Meanwhile, the introduction of inorganic particles reduced the methanol permeability. The proton conductivity was enhanced by introduction of hydrophilic inorganic particles into the SPEEK membranes, which might be an effective approach to increase the working temperature of PEM. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008