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Authors Li, X. ; Drache, M. ; Gohs, U. ; Beuermann, S.
Title Novel concept of polymer electrolyte membranes for high-temperature fuel cells based on ETFE grafted with neutral acrylic monomers
Date 01.12.2015
Number 45922
Abstract High temperature proton exchange membranes were synthesized via electron beam treatment of commercial poly(ethylene-alt-tetraflouroethylene) (ETFE) films and subsequent graft radical copolymerizations with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA). The maximum degree of grafting achieved was 193%. Both grafted monomers are hydrophilic and lead to high membrane affinity to phosphoric acid. Doping with phosphoric acid resulted in a maximum doping level of 310%. The grafted membranes combine stable ETFE backbone polymer with hydrophilic side chains. As indicated by stress–strain curves the graft copolymer membranes show good mechanical stability. In addition, the polymer–acid-composites are thermally stable up to around 210 °C. The polymer–acid-composite materials were tested in H2/O2 fuel cells at 120 °C. Power densities of up to 108 mW cm·2 were obtained at a current density of 200 mA cm·2. It is shown that the alternate concept of polymer–acid composites without any basic units is also suitable for the application in high temperature fuel cells.
Publisher Journal of Membrane Science
Wikidata
Citation Journal of Membrane Science 495 (2015) 20-28
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2015.07.056
Tags pre-radiation-induced graft polymerization etfe backbone hydrophilic graft monomers high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell

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