Synthesis and characterization of novel sulfonated poly (arylene ether ketone) as proton exchange membrane for PEM fuel cell application

A novel sulfortated poly(arylene ether ketone) was successfully synthesized by the sulfonation of the polymer with chlorosulfonic acid. It was confirmed by H-1 NMR spectra that the sulfonic acid group had been introduced onto the para-position of the pendant phenyl rings. The sulfonated polymers are very soluble in DMSO and other organic solvents, and can be readily cast into tough and transparent film. The results show that the membrane derived from the as-prepared polymers exhibits higher water absorption, superior thermal stability and higher proton conductive property than Nafion. The mechanical strength, oxidative stability and hydrolytic stability were tested and compared with those of Nafion.