title: Covalently cross-linked sulfone polybenzimidazole membranes with poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) for fuel cell applications.
abstract: Covalently cross-linked polymer membranes were fabricated from poly(aryl sulfone benzimidazole) (SO(2)PBI) and poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) (PVBCl) as electrolytes for high-temperature proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells. The cross-linking imparted organo insolubility and chemical stability against radical attack to the otherwise flexible SO(2)PBI membranes. Steady phosphoric acid doping of the cross-linked membranes was achieved at elevated temperatures with little swelling. The acid-doped membranes exhibited increased mechanical strength compared to both pristine SO(2)PBI and poly[2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bibenzimidazole] (mPBI). The superior characteristics of the cross-linked SO(2)PBI membranes allowed higher acid doping levels and, therefore, higher proton conductivity. Fuel-cell tests with the cross-linked membranes demonstrated a high open circuit voltage and improved power performance and durability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, PR China.
authors.forename: Jingshuai
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Aili
authors.forename: Qingfeng
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Lars N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Cleemann
authors.forename: Jens Oluf
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Niels J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Bjerrum
authors.forename: Ronghuan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: He
mesh_terms: D000081:Acetamides / Q000737:chemistry; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000737:chemistry*; D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011145:Polyvinyls / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility; D013450:Sulfones / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D000081:Acetamides; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011145:Polyvinyls; D013450:Sulfones; C080604:polyvinylbenzyl chloride; C031000:benzimidazole; C013959:dimethylacetamide