Proton conductance at elevated temperature:Formulation and investigation of poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) / 4-aminobenzylamine / phosphoric acid membranes

4-aminobenzylamine and phosphoric acid were blended in various proportions with poly (4-styrenesulfonic acid) to form a new group of membranes exhibiting proton conductance under water-free conditions. The 4-aminobenzylamine molecule, possessing an aniline-like and benzylamine-like functional group,...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jalal eJalili, Vincenzo eTricoli
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2014-07-01
Series:Frontiers in Energy Research
Subjects:
Online Access:http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fenrg.2014.00028/full
Description
Summary:4-aminobenzylamine and phosphoric acid were blended in various proportions with poly (4-styrenesulfonic acid) to form a new group of membranes exhibiting proton conductance under water-free conditions. The 4-aminobenzylamine molecule, possessing an aniline-like and benzylamine-like functional group, can interact both with the phosphoric acid and the poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) via nucleophilic interaction, thereby allowing proton jumping in the structure. Physico-chemical and thermal characteristics of the prepared solid membranes were investigated by IR spectroscopy and thermo-gravimetric analysis, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was employed to investigate their proton-conductance properties. Transparent composite membranes were prepared. However, the membranes are opaque for relatively high content of phosphoric acid. These membranes are thermally stable up to 300°C. The proton conductivity increases with temperature and also with content of phosphoric acid. Values as high as 1.8×10–3 S cm–1 were measured at 190°C in fully anhydrous condition.
ISSN:2296-598X