Graft-type polymer electrolyte membranes consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon polymers / inorganic-nanoparticle composites

Fukasawa, Hideyuki*; Hasegawa, Shin; Maekawa, Yasunari

The development of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) with both high proton conductivity at low relative humidity (RH) and excellent mechanical properties at high RH were required for commercialization of fuel cells. We have reported the successful preparation of highly conducting and mechanically stable grafted-type (PEMs) based on an aromatic hydrocarbon polymer, poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK). Since polymer membranes are reinforced mechanically by the hybridization with inorganic nano-particles, we investigated the radiation induced grafting speed of ethyl p-styrenesulfonate (ETSS) onto hybrid films consisting of PEEK and inorganic nanoparticles such as silica, magnesium oxide, and aluminum oxide and the effects of inorganic nano-particles on proton conductivity and mechanical properties of the synthesized hybrid PEEK films.