Multilayer-structured, SiO₂/sulfonated poly(phenylsulfone) composite membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

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• 作者：Jung-Ran Lee^a ; Ji-Hye Won^a ; Kyung-Suk Yoon^b ; Young Taik Hong^b ; ^{ythong@krict.re.kr} ; Sang-Young Lee^a ; ^{syleek@kangwon.ac.kr}
• 关键词：Proton exchange membrane fuel cells ; Multilayer-structured composite membranes ; Silica ; Sulfonated poly(phenylsulfone) ; Dimensional change ; Proton conductivity
• 刊名：International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
• 出版年：2012
• 期刊代码：42_03603199
• 类别：ch
• 出版时间：April, 2012
• 卷：37
• 期：7
• 页码：6182-6188
• 文件大小：669 K

摘要

In an effort to improve the dimensional change and proton conductivity of sulfonated poly(phenylsulfone) (SPPSU) membranes and facilitate their application to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), we develop a new composite membrane featured with a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure consists of a SPPSU-impregnated SiO₂ ceramic layer and a SPPSU layer. In contrast to a bulk composite membrane containing randomly dispersed SiO₂ nanoparticles, this unusual multilayer-structured composite membrane has an independent ceramic layer comprising close-packed SiO₂ nanoparticles and polyetherimide (PEI) binders. On the basis of structural characterization of the composite membranes, the effects of the multilayer structure on the membrane properties are investigated. The introduction of the SiO₂ ceramic layer is found to be effective in not only suppressing dimensional change but also enhancing proton conductivity of the multilayered composite membrane. Another intriguing finding is that the decrease of proton conductivity at a low humidity condition encountered in conventional water-swollen membranes is retarded in the multilayered composite membrane. These improvements in the proton conductivity of the multilayered composite membrane are discussed by considering the morphological uniqueness and the water retention capability of hygroscopic SiO₂ nanoparticles.