SPTES polymer membranes proton conductivities

The proton conductivities of the SPTES polymer membranes in the longitudinal direction were measured by AC impedance spectroscopy. All SPTES polymer membranes were initially hydrated by immersion in deionized water for at least 24 h at... 

Figure 6.12 shows the results of the proton conductivity of the SPTES polymers and Nafion-117 at 85% relative humidity at different temperatures. In all the cases, an increase of the membrane proton conductivity with increasing temperature is indicated. All the SPTES polymer membranes exhibited higher proton conductivity than Nafion-117 except in the lower temperature region for SPTES-50 polymer where a slight crossover is indicated. The proton conductivities of SPTES polymers have a linear dependence on temperature, thus showing Arrhenius behavior. The activation energy related to the proton conductivities of the SPTES polymers has been reported elsewhere [29]. 

Chapters 6 and 7 deal with the hydrocarbon polymers and composites targeted for high temperature PEM fuel cell applications. Specifically, chapter 6 deals with a series of high molecular weight, highly sulfonated poly(arylenethioethersulfone) (SPTES) polymers synthesized by polycondensation. They were characterized by different methods and tested for proton conductivity. Finally, membrane electrode assemblies (MFAs) were fabricated. 

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