Synthesis and characterization of polysulfone-containing sulfonated side chains for direct methanol fuel cells

Two series of novel polysulfone-based ionomers containing pendant sulfonic acid groups (designated as PSf-sph-y and PSf-sna-z) have been prepared using commercially available polysulfone and sulfoaryl monomers. The synthesized ionomers have been characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal characterization data show that these polymers are stable up to 210 degrees C in acid form and 270 degrees C in salt form in air. Ion exchange capacity, water uptake, swelling, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability of the membranes have been investigated and compared with those of Nafion 115. The PSf-sna-z membranes bearing highly ionic groups on the flexible side chains show lower water uptake, swelling, and methanol permeability compared to the PSf-sph-y and Nafion 115 membranes. The optimized PSf-sna-58 membrane shows better performance in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) than Nafion 115 membranes. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.