Effect of morphology of nanoscale hydrated channels on proton conductivity in block copolymer electrolyte membranes.

ABSTRACT: Hydrated membranes with cocontinuous hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases are needed to transport protons in hydrogen fuel cells. Herein we study the water uptake and proton conductivity of a model fuel cell membrane comprising a triblock copolymer, polystyrenesulfonate-block-polyethylene-block-polystyrenesulfonate (S-SES), as a function of water activity in both humid air and liquid water. We demonstrate that the water uptake and proton conductivity of S-SES membranes equilibrated in liquid water are fundamentally different from values obtained when they were equilibrated in humid air. The morphological underpinnings of our observations were determined by synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering and cryogenic scanning transmission electron microscopy. A discontinuous increase in conductivit

SUBMITTER: Chen XC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4207093 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature