Cross-Linked Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether nitrile)s with Low Swelling and High Proton Conductivity

A series of cross-linked composite membranes were prepared from sulfonated poly (arylene ether nitrile) (SPEN) and 2, 5-diaminobenzensulfonic acid (DABSA) via a direct cross-linking method aiming to obtain low-swelling and excellent proton conductivity membrane. This experiment had two advantages: expectant low-swelling in the extreme temperatureand excellent proton conductivity. Besides, all cross-linked membranes showed excellent thermal stability which exhibiting a temperature of initial decomposition about 250 degrees C. The membranes showed the IEC values varying from 1.449 to 1.675 mmol.g(-1). The result suggested that the SPEN-DABSA membranes are potential candidates as PEM in DMFCs.