Sulfonated polystyrene/PTFE as proton exchange membrane for PEM fuel cell application

Poly(tetrafluoro ethylene) (PTFE) and poly(styrenesuflonic) acid (PSSA) have been prepared and evaluated as proton exchange membrane electrolytes in semi-interpenetrating polymer network process. SEM was used to characterize the structures of the PTFE/PSSA membranes. The results showed that the effects of divinylbenzene (DVB) contents on thermo-stability and proton conductivity were investigation. The proton conductivity obtained for PTFE/PSSA membrane reached another maximum and 1 S cm-1, when the ratio of the styrene-divinyl approached the optimum values at 6%. The conductivity of the SIPN composite membrane was improved clearly while holding the better mechanical and thermal property. © Sila Science. All rights reserved.