Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Sulfonated Aromatic Polyamides for Proton Exchange Membranes

Abstract:

Sulfonated polymer membranes play an important role in PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cell). Series of sulfonated polyamides were prepared by polycondensation of a CF₃-containing diamine with various ratios of terephthalic acid and 5-Sodiosulfoisophthalic acid. Sulfonated polyamides were characterized by ¹H-NMR, FTIR and intrinsic viscosity. The resulting polyamides exhibited outstanding thermal stability. Membranes were prepared by solution casting, then characterized by determining ion-exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, swelling ratio, proton conductivity and mechanical properties. With the gradual growth of sulfonic acid groups from 70% to 100% (molar ratio), IEC increased to 1.0223meq/g, and proton conducticity reached up to 3.82×10^-2S/cm, while water uptake and swelling ratio remained in proper values. And the tensile strength of membranes was beyond 46.63MPa, which showed very good perspectives in PEMFC applications.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 821-822)
• Pages: 971-976
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.821-822.971
• Online since: September 2013
• Authors: Ya Ping Hu*, Guang Li
• Keywords: Ion-Exchange Capacity, PEM, Proton Conducticity, Sulfonated Polyamides

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