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Preparation and characterization of proton exchange membranes with through-membrane proton conducting channels

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Abstract

The primary goal of this study is to develop a novel PEMs with unique surface structure utilizing the high viscosity of the impregnation solution. SiO2 nanofiber mats were prepared via the electrospinning method and introduced into sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES) matrix to prepare hybrid membrane. The effect of concentration of impregnation solution on the morphology and properties of the proton exchange membranes (PEMs), including thermal stability, water uptake, dimensional stability, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability were investigated. SEM results showed that a unique surface structure was prepared due to the high solution concentration. Moreover, the hydrophilic nanofibers on the surface constructed continuous proton pathways, which can enhance the proton conductivity of the membranes, a maximum proton conductivity of 0.125 S/cm was obtained when the SPES concentration was 40 wt% at 80 °C, and the conductivity was improved about 1.95 times compared to that of pure SPES membrane. The SiO2 nanofiber mat-supported hybrid membrane could be used as PEMs for fuel cell applications.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51473121), the Science and Technology Plans of Tianjin (15PTSYJC00230 and 14TXGCCX00014), National science and technology support program (2015BAE01B03), the Fund Project for Transformation of Scientific and Technological Achievements from Jiangsu Province (BA2015182), and the Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (PCSIRT) of Ministry of Education of China (Grand no. IRT13084) for their financial supports.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin, 300387, People’s Republic of China

    Hang Wang, Gaokai Zhang, Xiaojie Li, Xupin Zhuang & Bowen Cheng

  2. School of Textiles, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin, 300387, People’s Republic of China

    Hang Wang, Gaokai Zhang & Xupin Zhuang

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  1. Hang Wang
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  2. Gaokai Zhang
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  3. Xiaojie Li
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  4. Xupin Zhuang
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  5. Bowen Cheng
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Correspondence to Xupin Zhuang or Bowen Cheng.

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Wang, H., Zhang, G., Li, X. et al. Preparation and characterization of proton exchange membranes with through-membrane proton conducting channels. Ionics 23, 2359–2366 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11581-017-2078-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11581-017-2078-x

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