In this work, the synthesis and characterization of new types of composite membranes with polysulfone matrix and ionomeric polymer electrolyte: polysulfone-sulfonated polyetherether sulfone (PSf-SPEEK) or polysulfone - poly (styrene sulfonic acid-co-vinylpyridine (PSf-PSSA), with sulfonic groups, with high performances, but especially economically viable, are studied. The composite membranes have different behavior depending upon the two ionofores. This is both due to the different temperatures of the total dehydration and to the decomposing temperature specific to each combination. The most unfavorable observation is the weight loss of PSfD-PSSA and PSfN-PSSA at temperatures under 170�C, most probably due to improper reticular degree. Nevertheless, the thermals diagrams of the composite membranes slightly differ for the same ionofore, suggesting the possibility of usage of the composite membrane on a polysulfone support - obtained from either the available or more accessible solvent. This observation is not yet valid neither from the ionic interchange nor from the conductivity point of view, since the performances of the two composites drastically differ with respect to the supports used here (PSf-D and PSf-N). Comparing the thermic performances, the recommended usage order to consider for the composite membranes is: PSfN-SPEEK = PSfD-SPEEK ] PSfD-PSSA = PSfN-PSSA.From the electrical performances point of view, the composites classify in the following order: PSfD-PSSA ]PSfN-PSSA ]] PSfD-SPEEK ] PSfN-SPEEK. At this time of research, it is difficult to establish an optimal composite membrane for fuel cell, although the composite PSfD-PSSA seems to be preferred.
Synthesis and characterization of sulfonated poly (arylene ether sulfone)/silicotungstic acid composite membranes for fuel cells