Preparation of Sulfonated Poly(aryl ether sulfone) Electrospun Mat/Phosphosilicate Composite Proton Exchange Membrane

Side-chain-type sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) (SPES) was synthesized and then electrospun into mats. Phosphosilicate glass (PS) via in situ sol-gel synthesis was enclosed in the mats to form a new reinforced composite membrane. The SPES/PS composite membranes showed satisfactory dimensional change behavior with varying humidity. Especially, the composite membrane exhibits excellent proton conductivity at harsh measurement conditions of low humidity at 80°C. The composite membrane with outstanding combined properties has potential applications for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.