Design of organic-inorganic hybrid membrane for polymer type fuel cell applications

Novel Organic-Inorganic hybrid materials based on highly sulfonated PolyEtherEtherKetone (PEEK) and PolyPhenylSulfone (PPSU) for application in fuel cells operating at intermediate temperatures were synthesized via simple, reproducible and inexpensive procedures. Thermal characterization showed that silicon groups chemically bonded to the polymer increase the oxidation stability of the membranes. The mechanical properties are superior to those of hard S-PEEK. Polymer blends with sulfonated and silylated PPSU showed particular behavior at 5% addition in terms of electrical conductivity and mechanical properties.