Preparation and Application of Aromatic Polymer Proton Exchange Membrane with Low-Sulfonation Degree

Abstract

4,4′-Dichlorodiphenylsulfone-3,3′-disulfonic acid (disodium) salt and 4,4′-difluorodiphenylsulfone were used as sulfonated monomer. 4,4′-Fluorophenyl sulfones were used as the nonsulfonated monomer. 4,4′-Dihydroxy diphenyl ether or 4,4′-thiodibenzenethiol was used as the comonomer. The sulfonated poly (aryl ether sulfone) (SPES) and sulfonated poly (arylene thioether sulfone) (SPTES) with sulfonation degree of 30% and 50% were successfully prepared by nucleophilic polycondensation. Two kinds of aromatic polymer proton exchange membranes were prepared by using sulfonated poly phthalazinone ether ketone (SPPEK) material and fluidization method. The performance of the prepared aromatic polymer proton exchange membrane was researched by the micromorphology, ion exchange capacity, water absorption and swelling rate, oxidation stability, tensile properties, and proton conductivity. Experimental results show that there is no agglomeration in the prepared aromatic polymer proton exchange membrane. The ion exchange capacity is 0.76–1.15 mmol/g. The water absorption and swelling rate increase with the increase of sulfonation degree. The sulfonated poly (aryl ether sulfone) membrane shows better oxidation stability than sulfonated poly (aryl sulfide sulfone). They have good mechanical stability. The prepared aromatic polymer proton exchange membrane with low sulfonation degree has good performance, which can be widely used in portable power equipment, electric vehicles, fixed power stations, and other new energy fields.