Active electrospun nanofibers as an effective reinforcement for highly conducting and durable proton exchange membranes

Mechanical reinforcement of proton exchange membranes is a great challenge allowing the reduction their thickness, with advantages lower resistance, improved water transport, decreased fuel crossover and high durability, which are crucial for cells. We describe herein new class reinforced based on nanofibers polysulfone (PSU) functionalized 4-heptyl-1,2,3-triazole (PSUT) likely interacting via hydrogen bonds or ionic cross-linking short-side-chain type perfluorosulfonic acid (Aquivion®) matrix. PSUT two functionalization degrees was electrospun into webs were impregnated Aquivion® to afford composite that presented higher dimensional stability in water, increased mechanical strength Young modulus comparison non-functionalized PSU pristine ionomer membrane, without any decrease conductivity. Membrane-electrode assemblies incorporating an membrane exhibited 5 times superior durability than those radical scavenger. These features may be ascribed specific interaction between basic fibers acidic ionomer. The incorporation active effective strategy leading performance can extended other kinds ion devices.