Proton conductive composite materials with co-continuous phases using silane functionalized and crosslinkable PVDF polymers

A new composite membrane material, based on the combination of inorganic proton conductors with a chain-end and side chain functionalized PVDF-based polymer has been developed. The approach involves synthesis of this polymer serving as an effective interfacial agent, to bind and to assemble the inorganic particles into a continuous medium, synthesis of inorganic particles, dispersion of inorganic particles and film casting followed by curing with a coupling agent to form crosslinking sites in 3-D polymer network. A composite membrane containing 60% of three-dimensional phase of zirconium hydrogen phosphate and 40% of PVDF fluoropolymer with silane terminal and side chain groups was fabricated. It demonstrates a high proton conductivity in water at elevated temperature, minimal dependence on the availability of free water, and bonding compatibility between the polymer and inorganic surfaces via inorganic crosslinkers. copyright The Electrochemical Society.