Herein, we present the results of
sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI)
and sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES) composite polymer electrolyte
membranes. The membranes are established for high-temperature proton
conductivity and methanol permeability to render their applicability.
Composite membranes have been prepared by modifying the SPES matrix
with different concentrations of SPANI (e.g., 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20
wt %). Structural and thermomechanical characterizations have been
performed using the transmission electron microscopy, differential
scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical
analyzer techniques. Physicochemical and electrochemical properties
have been evaluated by water uptake, ion-exchange capacity, dimensional
stability, and proton conductivity. Methanol permeability experiment
was carried out to analyze the compatibility of prepared membranes
toward direct methanol fuel cell application and found the lowest
methanol permeability for PAS-5. Also, the membranes reveal excellent
thermal, mechanical, and physicochemical properties for their application
toward high-temperature electromembrane processes.