Polysulfone/C30B Nanocomposite Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications: Effect of Various Sulfonating Agents

The effect of various sulfonating agents (Chlorosulfonic acid and Trimethylsilylchlorosulfonate (TMSCS) on the performance of Polysulfone (PSU) nanocomposite membranes was investigated. FTIR and H-1 NMR results confirmed the sulfonation reaction. Sulfonation of PSU as well as incorporation of Cloisite 30B (C30B) as a filler, resulted in an increase of proton conductivity, water uptake and glass transition temperature (T-g). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) exhibited a decrease in decomposition temperature with sulfonation. XRD confirmed positive interaction between C30B and SPSU. Surface and cross-sectional morphology of the membranes were studied using SEM.