Proton exchange membrane based on interpenetrating polymer network structure for excellent cell performance and chemical stability

Huang, Henghui1,2; Zeng, Xiankui2; Zhang, Xiuping2; Fan, Jiantao2,3; Li, Hui2

2023-02-28

10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.232602

JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES   Impact Factor & Quartile

0378-7753

1873-2755

Chemical stability and proton conductivity are the most critical factors for proton exchange membranes (PEMs). Here, we designed and prepared a co-polymer containing radical scavenger groups and imidazole groups. The membrane's acid-base crosslinking and interpenetrating network structure offer the PEM excellent dimensional stability and gas permeation inhibition properties. The continuous acid-base pairs and imidazole groups, which have high water retention, effectively improve the proton conductivity and reduce the PEM's gas permeability. Hence, a membrane electrode assembly based on as-prepared composite membranes exhibits higher single-cell performance and lower impedance than other membranes used for comparison. In addition, the introduction of hindered amine scavenger groups effectively eliminates the free radicals generated in the process of the electrochemical reaction. Both in-situ and ex-situ stability experiments show that the prepared composite membrane has excellent chemical stability. Morphological changes according to degradation level are also systematically analyzed. This paper shows that the introduction of imidazole and HA groups in the PFSA matrix membrane is effective for improving fuel cell performance and lifetime and for constructing continuous proton transport networks and interpenetrating network structures, making this a promising approach for achieving excellent proton conductivity and chemical stability in PEMs.

Proton exchange membrane Interpenetrating polymer network structure Free radical scavenger Chemical stability H 2 crossover current density

SCI

English

Corresponding

Chemistry ; Electrochemistry ; Energy & Fuels ; Materials Science

Chemistry, Physical ; Electrochemistry ; Energy & Fuels ; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

WOS:000918181400001

ELSEVIER

MATERIALS SCIENCE

2-s2.0-85145738249

Web of Science

1.Foshan Univ, Sch Mat Sci & Hydrogen Energy, Foshan 528000, Guangdong, Peoples R China
2.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Dept Mat Sci & Engn, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, Peoples R China
3.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Acad Adv Interdisciplinary Studies, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China

Huang, Henghui,Zeng, Xiankui,Zhang, Xiuping,et al. Proton exchange membrane based on interpenetrating polymer network structure for excellent cell performance and chemical stability[J]. JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES,2023,558.

Huang, Henghui,Zeng, Xiankui,Zhang, Xiuping,Fan, Jiantao,&Li, Hui.(2023).Proton exchange membrane based on interpenetrating polymer network structure for excellent cell performance and chemical stability.JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES,558.

Huang, Henghui,et al."Proton exchange membrane based on interpenetrating polymer network structure for excellent cell performance and chemical stability".JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES 558(2023).