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Development of Polymeric Membranes Based on Quaternized Polysulfones for AMFC Applications
Alessandra Carbone1, Rolando Pedicini1,2, Irene Gatto1
1CNR-ITAE Via S. Lucia sopra Contesse, 5, 98126 Messina, Italy.
Polymers
|February 7, 2020
Summary
New polysulfone membranes functionalized with quaternary ammonium groups were synthesized for fuel cell applications. Triethylamine-based membranes showed enhanced stability and achieved a power density of 300 mW/cm² in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Quaternary ammonium-functionalized polysulfones are crucial for anion exchange membranes.
- Developing stable and efficient membranes is key for electrochemical energy conversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel quaternary ammonium-functionalized polysulfone derivatives.
- To evaluate their performance as anionic membranes in fuel cells.
Main Methods:
- Two-step chloromethylation synthesis of polysulfone derivatives.
- NMR spectroscopy for determining functionalization degree.
- Doctor-blade casting for membrane preparation.
- Electrochemical testing in a H₂/O₂ fuel cell.
Main Results:
- Synthesized triethylammonium and trimethylammonium polysulfone derivatives with varying functionalization degrees (60-150%).
- Properties like ion exchange capacity, water content, and wettability increased with functionalization.
- Triethylamine-based membranes exhibited better stability and a power density of ~300 mW/cm² at 60°C.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully developed functionalized polysulfone membranes with tunable properties.
- Triethylamine-based membranes offer a promising balance of chemical-physical properties, mechanical stability, and electrochemical performance for fuel cell applications.
