A new nanocomposite membrane based on sulfonated polysulfone boron nitride for proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Its fabrication and characterization

OpenAlex İngilizce

• SPSf-2 %hBN PEM with a proton conductivity of 10.8 mS cm −1 was developed. • The mechanical strength of SPSf-based PEM is increased with hBN nanoparticle. • hBN additive improves the thermal and oxidation properties of the SPSf-based PEM. • Highly effective non-agglomeration PEM based on hBN and SPSf can be produced. Sulfonated polysulfone (SPSf) polymer is an alternative raw material in producing commercially used proton exchange membranes. On the other hand, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is one of the additives of interest for nanocomposite PEMs. In this study, nanocomposite membranes is fabricated and characterized with SPSf and hBN nanoparticles. The degree of sulfonation of the sulfonated polysulfone is determined by titration, and sulfonic acid bonds are investigated by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ( 1 H NMR) analysis. SPSf is dissolved with dichloromethane, and hBN nanoparticles are added. After homogenizing the prepared solution with magnetic and ultrasonic stirrers, membranes are formed using Dr. Blade. 1 H NMR, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) analysis are examined the morphological, thermal, and organic compound structures of the membranes. Water uptake capacity, swelling ratio, proton conductivity, oxidative resistance, and mechanical properties of the membranes are determined. The highest water uptake capacity is obtained as 40.08 % in the membrane named SPSf-3 %hBN. Using hBN additive improved swelling ratio and thermal and mechanical strength properties. The proton conductivity values of polysulfone (PSf), SPSf, SPSf-1 %hBN, SPSf-2 %hBN, and SPSf-3 %hBN membranes are determined as 2.89, 6.84, 3.57, 10.8 and 5.12 mS cm −1 , respectively. As a result of the analysis, it is observed that the nanocomposite membrane structure has both amorphous and crystalline homogeneous structure.