Self-healing of Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone)/PVA-CBA membrane for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
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초록
내용
Self-healing of polymers have been studied as an important topic for restoring original functions from the mechanical damages in Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs). Among various PEMs, sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) has been explored to be a promising substance in PEM Fuel Cells(PEMFCs). The membrane blending with the SPEEK and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) immersed in 4‐carboxybenzaldehyde (CBA) solution. Since the CBA allows chemical bonding between the polymer chains of the blend membrane, mechanical behaviors of the membrane are improved including not only a stability for water swelling but also self-healing reaction after cracks. Water uptake, swelling and proton conductivity of the membranes were measured as the according to time of soaking in CBA solution. It is confirmed that the addition of CBA prevents swelling degree of the membrane and induces the self-healing of the membrane.