Sulfonated Polysulfone Ionomer Membranes for Fuel Cells

摘要

Sulfonated polysulfone (SPSU) ionomer membranes were prepared via a solution sulfonation method using mixtures of chlorosulfonic acid (HSO<,3>Cl, CSA) and chlorotrimethylsilane ((CH<,3>)<,3>SiCl, CTMS) as sulfonating agent. Viscosimetric comparisons showed that the polymer backbone didn't be affected by the sulfonating agent. Viscosimetric measurements indicated that, even after 72h reaction time, chain cleavage did not occur. Ion exchange capacities (IECs) of SPSU ionomer membranes were controlled by varying the amount of HSO<,3>Cl and (CH<,3>)<,3>SiCl. And the proton conductivities of SPSU membranes were comparable compared with Nafion<'[R]> 117. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the prepared SPSU membranes with fairly good thermal stability.