Skip to main content
Article
Proton Exchange Membranes Composed of Sulfonated Poly(Ether Ketone Ketone) and Crosslinked Sulfonated Polystyrene Particles
Polymer Engineering Faculty Research
  • Robert Weiss, The University of Akron
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2006
Abstract
Proton-exchange membranes composed of sulfonated poly(ether ketone ketone) (SPEKK) and sulfonated crosslinked polystyrene (SXLPS) particles were made by solution casting using N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP). The proton conductivity of SPEKK membranes with relatively low ion-exchange capacity (IEC = 0.8–1.3 meq/g) was greatly enhanced by the addition of the SXLPS particles (IEC = 5.2 meq/g). The proton conductivity exhibited a sigmoidal dependence on the SXLPS particle concentration, and values of 0.04–0.07 S/cm were achieved for SXLPS weight fractions >0.4. The equilibrium water sorptions of the composite membranes increased proportionately with increasing SXLPS concentration. However, for a comparable membrane IEC, the composite membranes absorbed considerably less water than pure SPEKK when the overall IEC exceeded 1.5 meq/g. For particle weight fractions >0.2, the dispersion of the particles was fairly uniform, but for lower concentrations, the particles settled and were concentrated on just one side of the solution-cast membrane. This asymmetric structure could have merit for some applications, and its properties are under investigation.
Citation Information
Robert Weiss. "Proton Exchange Membranes Composed of Sulfonated Poly(Ether Ketone Ketone) and Crosslinked Sulfonated Polystyrene Particles" Vol. 269 (2006) p. 177 - 186
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robert_weiss1/78/