Cross-linked poly(aryl ether sulfone) membranes for direct methanol fuel cell applications

Partially sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PESS) was synthesized and methacrylated via reaction with glycidyl methacrylate (PESSGMA) and cross-linked via radical polymerization with styrene and vinyl-phosphonic acid (VPA). The chemical structures of the synthesized pre-polymers were characterized via FTIR and H-1 NMR spectroscopic methods and molecular weight was determined via GPC. Membranes of these polymers were prepared via solution casting method. The crosslinking of the PESS polymer reduced IEC, proton conductivity, swelling in water, and methanol permeability of the membranes while increasing the modulus and the glass transition temperature. However, the introduction of the VPA comonomer increased the proton conductivity while maintaining excellent resistance to methanol cross-over, which was significantly higher as compared with both PESS and the commercial Nafion membranes. Membranes of PESSGMA copolymers incorporating VPA, exhibited proton conductivity values at 60 degrees C in the range of 16-32 mScm(-1) and methanol permeability values in the range of 6.52 x 10(-9) - 1.92 x 10(-8) cm(2)s(-1). (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 558-575