Cross-linked polyelectrolyte for direct methanol fuel cells applications based on a novel sulfonated cross-linker

Mingyu Li, Gang Zhang, Shuai Xu, Chengji Zhao, Miaomiao Han, Liyuan Zhang, Hao Jiang, Zhongguo Liu, Hui Na

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

A novel type of cross-linked proton exchange membrane of lower methanol permeation and high proton conductivity is prepared, based on a newly synthesized sulfonated cross-linker: carboxyl terminated benzimidazole trimer bearing sulfonic acid groups (s-BI). Compared to membranes cross-linked with non-sulfonated cross-linker (BI), SPEEK/s-BI-n membranes show higher IEC values and proton conductivities. Meanwhile, oxidative stability and mechanical property of SPEEK/s-BI-n membranes are obviously improved. Among SPEEK/s-BI-n membranes, SPEEK/s-BI-2 exhibits high proton conductivity, low swelling ratio (0.122 S cm-1 and 15.2% at 60 C, respectively) and low methanol permeability coefficient. These results imply that the cross-linked membranes prepared with the newly sulfonated cross-linker are promising for the direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) application.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)101-107
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume255
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cross-linked polyelectrolyte for direct methanol fuel cells applications based on a novel sulfonated cross-linker'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this