BARC/PUB/2018/0617

 
 

Effect of phosphotungstic acid blending on properties of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)–poly(ethylene glycol) crosslinked membranes

 
     
 
Author(s)

Mamta Kumari; Sodaye, H. S.; Bindal, R. C.
(MDS)

Source

Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2018. Vol. 135 (36): Article no. 46667

ABSTRACT

This study shows the effect of phosphotungstic acid (PWA) blended into a sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) crosslinked membrane on the membrane’s electrochemical and mechanical properties. The PWA weight percentage was varied from 0 to 50%. All of the membranes were equilibrated with water at room temperature (27 oC) and elevated temperature (60 oC), and their properties were investigated. A scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray was used to ascertain the tungsten concentration remaining in the membrane after water treatment. A systematic decrease in tungsten concentration was seen with the increase in the initial PWA percentage. The membrane blended with 10% PWA showed the best properties, having the highest conductivity (0.11 S cm-1), mechanical strength, and chemical stability. Membranes with 10% PWA and without PWA were studied in a H2/O2 fuel cell. The membrane blended with 10% PWA gave 33% more power density than the membrane without PWA.

 
 
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