Covalently functionalized graphene oxide and quaternized polysulfone nanocomposite membranes for fuel cells

Abstract

In this work, covalently crosslinked nanocomposite hydroxide conducting membranes were developed on the basis of functionalized graphene oxide and quaternized polysulfone. Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterise the structure and morphology. The properties of AEMs including water uptake, swelling ratio, mechanical properties and ionic conductivity were measured. The resultant nanocomposite membrane containing 2% functionalized graphene oxide is tough and flexible, demonstrating a water uptake of 19.44% and an ionic conductivity of 1.27 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at 60 °C, a tensile strength of 14.90 MPa and a moderate elongation rate at break. Furthermore, it still maintained its flexibility and toughness after treatment in 1 M NaOH solution for 744 h at 50 °C.