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Proton Exchange Membrane Synthesized by Pore-Filling Polymerization Technique

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 May 2012

Siok Wei Tay
Affiliation:
Institute of Materials Research & Engineering, 3 Research Link, Singapore 117602
Zhaolin Liu
Affiliation:
Institute of Materials Research & Engineering, 3 Research Link, Singapore 117602
Liang Hong*
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117576. Institute of Materials Research & Engineering, 3 Research Link, Singapore 117602
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Abstract

Proton exchange membrane with interconnected H+-transfer channels in submicron scale has been synthesized by means of pore filling polymerization. Polysulfone (PSU) membrane containing densely distributed pores is synthesized using the phase inversion approach. The membrane is then filled up with a designed formula consisting of monomers (e.g. 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid and N, N’-Methylenebisacrylamide) and a binary solvent. It is undertaken through solution diffusion of the monomer formula into the pores impregnated with the bore liquid. When the PSU matrix loaded with monomers is subjected to polymerization, a uniform distribution of interconnected H+-transfer channels is realized. This special membrane structure gives rise to a maximum ionic exchange capacity of 2.43 meq/g and the highest proton conductivity of 0.2 S/cm. Compared to the commercial Nafion® membrane, the pore-filled membrane significantly enhances the power output of H2-PEM fuel cell.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2012

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References

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