Development of Polymeric Membranes Based on Quaternized Polysulfones for AMFC Applications

oleh: Alessandra Carbone, Rolando Pedicini, Irene Gatto, Ada SaccĂ , Assunta Patti, Giovanni Bella, Massimiliano Cordaro

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2020-02-01

Deskripsi

A series of quaternary ammonium-functionalized polysulfones were successfully synthesized using a chloromethylation two-step method. In particular, triethylammonium and trimethylammonium polysulfone derivatives with different functionalization degrees from 60% to 150% were investigated. NMR spectroscopic techniques were used to determine the degree of functionalization of the polymers. The possibility to predict the functionalization degree by a reaction tool based on a linear regression was highlighted. Anionic membranes with a good homogeneity of thickness were prepared using a doctor-blade casting method of functionalized polymers. The chemical&#8722;physical data showed that ion exchange capacity, water content, and wettability increase with the increase of functionalization degree. A higher wettability was found for membranes prepared by the trimethylamine (TMA) quaternary ammonium group. A degree of functionalization of 100% was chosen for an electrochemical test as the best compromise between chemical&#8722;physical properties and mechanical stability. From anionic conductivity measurement a better stability was found for the triethylamine (TEA)-based membrane due to a lower swelling effect. A power density of about 300 mW/cm<sup>2</sup> for the TEA-based sample at 60 &#176;C in a H<sub>2</sub>/O<sub>2</sub> fuel cell was found.