Effect of a neutral fluorinated network on the properties of a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer as proton exchange membrane

Proton and water transport properties as well as water sorption, thermomechanical properties, and morphology of a new series of semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Network (semi-IPN) combining perfluorosulfonated ionomer (Aquivion (R)) with a neutral fluorinated network of composition ranging between 10 and 50 wt% have been studied. When less than 20 wt% of neutral fluorinated network are included, water and proton transport properties of semi-IPNs are enhanced compared to that of Aquivion (R), despite of their decrease of ion exchange capacity and their capacity to absorb water. Thermal and chemical stabilities are maintained very close to those of Aquivion. In addition, these new materials show similar performances in fuel cell operation at 105 degrees C compared to those of Aquivion. That evidences that perfluorosulfonated ionomer can be strengthened by association with a neutral fluorinated network. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.