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Polysulfone functionalized with phosphonated poly(pentafluorostyrene) grafts for potential fuel cell applications
Ivaylo Dimitrov1, Shogo Takamuku, Katja Jankova
1Danish Polymer Centre, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Denmark.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|May 25, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to create polysulfone (PSU) grafted with phosphonated poly(pentafluorostyrene) (PFS) for fuel cell membranes. This tunable copolymer balances proton conductivity and mechanical strength for enhanced performance.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Development of advanced polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) is crucial for efficient fuel cell operation.
- Polysulfone (PSU) offers good mechanical and thermal properties, but requires functionalization for improved performance.
- Poly(pentafluorostyrene) (PFS) provides a versatile platform for chemical modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel polysulfone-grafted-poly(pentafluorostyrene) copolymers.
- To functionalize the grafted PFS chains with phosphonic acid groups for proton conductivity.
- To evaluate the potential of these copolymers as membranes for fuel cell applications.
Main Methods:
- Controlled radical polymerization to create alkyne-end functional PFS.
- Modification of PSU with azide side groups.
- Grafting of PFS onto PSU via click chemistry.
- Post-phosphonation of PFS grafts.
- Characterization using thermal analysis, water uptake, and conductivity measurements.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of PSU-g-PFS copolymers with phosphonated grafts.
- Demonstrated tunability of the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance.
- Evaluation of membrane properties including thermal stability, water uptake, and proton conductivity.
Conclusions:
- The developed synthetic route enables the creation of functionalized copolymers for fuel cells.
- The synthesized membranes exhibit a promising balance of properties for potential applications.
- This approach allows for optimization of membrane performance by tuning copolymer composition.
