Improved Hydrolytic and Mechanical Stability of Sulfonated Aromatic Proton Exchange Membranes

Summary

The long-term durability of energy storage and conversion devices depends on how well their ionomer membranes resist hydrolysis, and reinforcement is one of the standard answers. This study stabilises membranes based on the aromatic ion-conducting polymers SPEEK and SPPSU by introducing an electrospun mat of inexpensive PPSU - a reinforcement that costs little and is chemically compatible with the matrix. Hydrolytic stability was assessed through mass uptake and dimensional change, showing how a nanofibre mat can extend membrane life without the expense of perfluorinated alternatives.

Authors & Affiliations

• Luca Pasquini

  CNRS, MADIREL and International Laboratory "Ionomer Materials for Energy", Aix Marseille University, France
• Marie Sauvan

  CNRS, MADIREL, Aix Marseille University, France
• Riccardo Narducci

  International Laboratory "Ionomer Materials for Energy", Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
• Emanuela Sgreccia

  International Laboratory "Ionomer Materials for Energy", Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
• Philippe Knauth Corresponding

  CNRS, MADIREL, Aix Marseille University, France
• Maria Luisa Di Vona Corresponding

  Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy

Linari Electrospinning Systems

Topics

Materials