직접 메탄올 연료 전지 적용을 위한 수소 이온교환막의 말단 가교 및 이온 가교 효과

Abstract

End group cross-linkable sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymer (ESPAES) and imidazolium poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymer (IPAES) are synthesized as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) and cross-linker, respectively. Novel XESPAES-IPAES covalently-ionically cross-linked membrane is prepared via blend and thermal treatment for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. Synergetic effect of end group cross-linking and ionic cross-linking improves chemical stability and mechanical properties. In addition, DMFC single cell performance of XESPAES-IPAES outperforms that of end group cross-linked SPAES (XESPAES) and Nafion® 212 due to the excellent fuel barrier property in spite of relatively low proton conductivity, which is derived from the content of non-proton conducting IPAES copolymer. Consequently, XESPAES-IPAES has a great potential as an electrolyte membrane for DMFC application.