Proton conducting sulfonated polysulfone and polyphenylsulfone multiblock copolymers with improved performances for fuel cell applications

A series of proton exchange membranes based on sulfonated multiblock copolymers with three polysulfone (PSU) and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) ratios (50/50, 60/40 75/25) are prepared following a synthesis strategy that aims to achieve microphase separation. selective sulfonation PSU blocks was observed in high proportion PSU. The water uptake is higher these materials (31% 57% for SPES 50/50 75/25, respectively at 60 °C) while the tensile strength lower (56.0 MPa 40.6 75/25 H+ form, respectively). Ionic conductivity measured both ex situ 80 °C 25 31 mS·cm−1, respectively. Fuel cell tests reveal shows highest value maximum power density (670 mW·cm−2 70 100% RH) which than achieved (400 mW·cm−2). In addition, current obtained (1000 mA·cm−2 0.6 V compared SPES50/50 (600 mA·cm−2) Nafion 112 (450 75 its promising properties as solid electrolyte polymeric fuel cells.