Effects of different acid functional groups on proton conductivity of polymer-1,2,4-triazole blends

Proton transfer reactions under anhydrous conditions have attracted remarkable interest due to chemical energy conversions in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. In this work, 1H-1,2,4-triazole (Tri) was used as a proton solvent in different polymer host matrices such as Poly(vinylphosphonic acid) (PVPA), and poly(2-acryla-mido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid) (PAMPS). PVPATri(x) and PAMPSTri(x) electrolytes were investigated where x is the molar ratio of Tri to corresponding polymer repeat unit. The interaction between polymer and Tri was studied via FTIR spectroscopy. Thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were employed to examine the thermal stability and homogeneity of the materials, respectively. PVPATri(1.5) showed a maximum water-free proton conductivity of 2.3 x 10(-3) S/cm at 120 degrees C and that of PAMP-STri(2) was 9.3 x 10(-4) S/cm at 140 degrees C. The results were interpreted in terms of different acidic functional groups and composition. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.