Sponsor:
This study was supported by the Ministry of Science and lnnovation with a project MAT2013 46452 C4 3 R and the Regional Program MATERYENER3CM S2013/MIT 2753 of the Community of Madrid. J Y Sanchez also wishes to thank "Catedras de Excelencia"
of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid for providing a grant. A.M. Martos wishes to thank the mobility grant of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.
We describe the synthesis, as well as the electrochemical and structural characterization, of sulfonated polysulfone intended for use in PEM fuel cells. Starting from a commercial polysulfone, we assessed the performance of these prepared ionomers using syntheWe describe the synthesis, as well as the electrochemical and structural characterization, of sulfonated polysulfone intended for use in PEM fuel cells. Starting from a commercial polysulfone, we assessed the performance of these prepared ionomers using synthesis protocols compatible with industrial production. The efficiency of the trimethylsilyl chlorosulfonate and chlorosulfonic acid reagents in the sulfonation process was confirmed by H-1 NMR, FTIR, elemental analysis, chemical titration and thermal analysis (DSC and TGA). Chlorosulfonic acid was the most effective sulfonation reagent. However, based on SEC-MALLS, this reagent induced degradation of the backbone that is detrimental to the thermomechanical stability and lifespan of the membranes. The electrical characterization of the membranes was undertaken using impedance spectroscopy in contact with different HCl aqueous solutions at various temperatures. The activation energies, which ranged from 8.2 to 11 kJ/mol, were in agreement with the prevailing proton vehicular mechanism. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.[+][-]