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Sulfonated polysulfone/TiO2 nanocomposite membranes for fuel cell application

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International Journal of Plastics Technology

Abstract

In the present study, sulfonated polysulfone (SPSU)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposite membranes for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) were synthesised and its utility as proton exchange membrane has been investigated. Polysulfone (PSU) was sulfonated with chlorosulfonic acid in 1,2 dichloroethane at ambient temperatures. The degree of sulfonation was determined by titration and 1H NMR was performed to verify the sulfonation reaction. FTIR spectra also showed the evidence of –SO3H absorption peak at ~1,027 cm−1. Sulfonation levels from 25 to 70% were easily achieved by varying reaction time. Nanocomposite membranes were prepared by blending TiO2 with SPSU solution in NMP employing solution casting technique. The membranes were characterized for thermal stability, water uptake, and proton conductivity measurements. The morphological characterisation of the membranes were carried out using SEM. X-ray diffraction measurements were also carried out to evaluate the interaction of TiO2 with SPSU. Conductivity values in the range of 10−4 S/cm were obtained for nanocomposite membranes.

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Acknowledgement

The authors are thankful to Department of Science & Technology (DST-TSG), Govt. of India, for sponsoring the above work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory for Advanced Research in Polymeric Materials (LARPM), Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751 024, India

    Lakshmi Unnikrishnan, Smita Mohanty & Sanjay K. Nayak

  2. Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology, Guindy, Chennai, 600032, India

    Sanjay K. Nayak & Nijith P. Jayan

Authors
  1. Lakshmi Unnikrishnan
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  2. Smita Mohanty
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  3. Sanjay K. Nayak
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  4. Nijith P. Jayan
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Correspondence to Sanjay K. Nayak.

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Unnikrishnan, L., Mohanty, S., Nayak, S.K. et al. Sulfonated polysulfone/TiO2 nanocomposite membranes for fuel cell application. Int J Plast Technol 15, 1–20 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12588-011-9015-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12588-011-9015-z

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