Preparation and evaluation of ionomeric membranes based on sulfonated-poly (styrene_isobutylene_styrene) membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC)

Sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly-(ethylene-ranbutylene)- block-polystyrene membranes with different sulfonated levels have been prepared and evaluated as proton exchange membrane for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. The polymer was sulfonated by chlorosulfonic acid. Homogeneous membranes were prepared by solvent casting method. Ion exchange capacity, degree of sulfonation, absorption, and solubility of the membranes were studied. The membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry, and impedance spectroscopy