Improve the performance of proton exchange membranes based on sulfopropylated amino polyethersulfone/poly [2,2ʹ-(m-pyrazolidene)-5,5ʹ-bibenzimidazole] blend through SiO2 nanoparticles importing

In this work, we have developed a series of the new sulfopropylated amino polyethersulfone (SP-NH-PES)/poly [2,2ʹ-(m-pyrazolidene)-5,5ʹ-bibenzimidazole] (PPBI) blend and its nanocomposites with SiO 2 nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs) for evaluation as ion-exchange membranes. At first, SP-NH-PES and PPBI were prepared separately and after characterization by using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, were used for fabrication of the SP-NH-PES/PPBI blend membranes. SP-NH-PES/PPBI blend membrane displayed good thermal stability. In the following, the SiO 2 NPs were used as an inorganic nanofiller. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed homogeneous dispersion of the SiO 2 NPs on the surface of SP-NH-PES/PPBI/SiO 2 . Moreover, the nanocomposite membrane having SiO 2 NPs displayed the enhanced mechanical strength. By using the titration method the ion exchange capacity (IEC) of the membranes was obtained in the range of 0.92–1.15 meq/g. The proton conductivity of the fabricated membranes was investigated using an impedance analyzer at 100 °C and demonstrated a higher proton conductivity of about 21 ms/cm. As well as, prepared membranes showed acid doping levels in the range of 14.2–11.3. The obtained results displayed that the SP-NH-PES/PPBI/SiO 2 nanocomposite membranes with good thermal and mechanical stability can be considered as potential candidates for proton exchange membranes fuel cells.