Proton Conducting Hybrid Membranes Based on Aromatic Polymers Blends for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

Abstract Composite membranes made‐up of sulphonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK, DS = 0.5) and of a sulphonated and silylated hybrid organic–inorganic derivative of polyphenylsulphone (SiSPPSU, DS = 2) were prepared and characterised. The water and methanol uptake, as well as thermal properties, of blend membranes containing 5 and 10 wt.‐% SiSPPSU were evaluated. The electrochemical performance of the membranes was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and tested in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) station. The presence of SiSPPSU modified the properties of SPEEK, allowing to increase its performance in terms of proton conductivity, thermal and hydrolytic stability. These blends appeared to be suitable electrolytes for DMFC applications.