Synthesis of sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) block copolymers for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) (SPAEK) block copolymers were synthesized through nucleophilic aromatic substitution polymerization. Compared with a Nafion (NRE-212), state-of-the-art proton conducting membrane, the block copolymer membrane showed a well separated phase morphology and high proton conductivity under fully hydrated condition at 80 °C. The fuel cell operated with a SPAEK membrane showed a current density of 1617 mA cm- 2 at 0.6 V under 100% relative humidity (RH), whereas a NRE-212 membrane exhibited a current density of 1238 mA cm-2, which is about 30% lower than newly prepared SPEAK membrane. In addition, the maximum power density of 1160, and 800 mW cm-2 was observed for SPAEK, NRE-212 membranes, respectively at 80 °C under 100% RH condition. The SPEAK membrane exhibited 1.4-folds enhancement in the maximum power density in comparison with NRE-212 membrane. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.