Membrane Electrolytes, from Perfluoro Sulfonic Acid (PFSA) to Hydrocarbon Ionomers

Reinforcement effect in tandemly sulfonated, partially fluorinated polyphenylene PEMs for fuel cells

“…In fact, PFSA membranes (e.g., GORE-SELECT and Naon XL membranes) being used in commercial PEMFCs are reinforced with expanded polytetrauoroethylene (ePTFE). 15,16 We have also reported reinforced SPP-QP membranes with porous polyethylene (PE) substrates. 17 The highly conductive SPP-QP ionomer was effectively impregnated into the nanopores of PE via push-coating method.…”

Development of High-Performance Hydrogen-Air Fuel Cell with Flourine-Free Sulfonated Co-Polynaphthoyleneimide Membrane

“…Lately, short-chain polymeric derivatives of the Nafion membrane, such as Aquivion, Flemion, and Nyflon, have become increasingly widespread [ 11 , 12 ]. However, this type of membrane has a number of significant disadvantages that limit the wider distribution of hydrogen-air fuel cells: Non-ecological and environmental pollution dangers due to fluorine compound utilization when preparing the membrane and disposing of it [ 13 , 14 ]; The restriction of an operating temperature range due to the reduction in transport and mechanical characteristics at a temperature above 90 °C, which is associated with a sharp decrease in the polymer’s water content [ 15 , 16 ]; A significant decrease in the proton conductivity at low humidity (<50%), which is associated with the poor water-retaining capacity of perfluorinated sulfopolymer [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]; Accelerated membrane dehydration and a sharp increase in gas permeability at PEMFC operation in the temperature range from 90 to 120 °C [ 15 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]; The noncompetitive high cost of membrane fabrication, which is associated with both the technological difficulties of polymer synthesis and its restricted production due to the presence of fluorine in the chemical structure [ 6 , 23 , 24 ]. …”

“…The restriction of an operating temperature range due to the reduction in transport and mechanical characteristics at a temperature above 90 °C, which is associated with a sharp decrease in the polymer’s water content [ 15 , 16 ];…”

“…A significant decrease in the proton conductivity at low humidity (<50%), which is associated with the poor water-retaining capacity of perfluorinated sulfopolymer [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ];…”