Construction of long-range ordered proton transport channel is highly desired for improving the proton conductivity of proton exchange membranes. In this paper, we introduce PSSA-g-PVDF nanofiber with excellent compatibility into SPEEK matrix and prepare the homogeneous PSSA-g-PVDF nanofiber/SPEEK composite membranes by low and high temperature alternately. Large numbers of sulfonic acid groups of SPEEK aggregate on the surface of PSSA-g-PVDF nanofiber and reconstruct the acid-condensed layers with high conductivity (TEM characterization). These acid-condensed layers accelerate the nano-phase separation of SPEEK and contribute to the shorter distances of sulfonic acid groups which create some easier transport routs (SAXS characterization). Along with more free-water molecules for per sulfonic acid group, the proton will transport through the membranes with higher efficiency (DSC characterization). As a result, the PSSA-g-PVDF nanofibers/SPEEK composite membranes exhibit the exciting proton conductivity of 720.68 mS/cm which makes an improvement of 1.4 times. In combination of the dimensional, mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability which are originated from the sturdy three-dimensional network of PSSA-g-PVDF nanofibers, the composite membranes may be suitable for the applications in harsh environments.

Improvement in performance of SPEEK membranes by PSSA-g-PVDF proton conductive wire

2019 Spring National Meeting

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