Hybrid inorganic-organic proton exchange membranes containing 1H-1,2,3-triazole moieties

Hybrid inorganic-organic polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) were synthesized from a combination of 1H-1,2,3-triazole grafted alkoxy silanes, tetraethoxy silane (TEOS), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) or phosphoric acid. The resulting hybrid inorganic-organic proton exchange membranes were self-supporting and thermally stable up to 180 degrees C. Evaluation of proton conductivity as a function of temperature indicates that by using sol-gel chemistry, it is possible to achieve mechanically robust membranes having proton conductivity comparable to uncrosslinked, liquid-like 1H-1,2,3-triazole functionalized polysiloxane homopolymer. Mechanical properties of these hybrid inorganic-organic membranes were investigated using nanoindentation. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.