Covalently cross-linked polyetheretherketone proton exchange membrane for DMFC

Abstract

The proton exchange membrane was prepared by covalent cross-linking sulfonated-sulfinated polyetheretherketone. The cross-linked membrane showed high proton conductivity (0.04 S/cm) with suitable water uptake, low methanol permeability (2.21 × 10-7 cm2/s) and good electrochemical stability. The results suggested that cross-linked polyetheretherketone membrane is particularly promising to be used as proton exchange membrane for the direct methanol fuel cell application.