Abstract
In the present study, hydrocarbon polyelectrolyte membranes were prepared by phase inversion method from sulfonated syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS)/1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) solution. The prepared polyelectrolyte membranes showed flexibility and good handling characteristics. This is due to crystalline structure in the membranes, which functions as physical cross-links. Our investigation of sulfonation condition showed that sufficient sulfonation improved the ion-exchange capacity, water content, and proton conductivity of the membrane. The minimum value of the electrical resistance of the prepared membranes was 9.2 Ω · cm, which compares with the reported value for the commercial perfluorosulfoanted membrane, Nafion117 (10 Ω · cm). In addition, both the ion-exchange capacity and water content were two times higher than those of Nafion117. To reduce the water content of the membranes, hot-pressing was carried out, which reduced the water content but increased the electrical resistance. Fenton’s test also showed that crystalline structure in the membranes improved the oxidation resistance.
