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Excellent proton transfer in proton exchange membrane at low humidity accelerated by sulfonated polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane

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  • Liu, Shouyi
  • Zhao, Chenghui
  • Li, Jiaze
  • Li, Na
  • Hu, Zhaoxia
  • Chen, Shouwen

Abstract

This study aims to address the challenge of proton conductivity degradation in proton exchange membranes (PEMs) operating at low relative humidity (RH). Sulfonated polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (SNPOSS) with long flexible butyl sulfonic acid grafts is constructed by grafting 1,4-butanesultone onto octa-amino polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane, and a series of composite membranes are prepared by introducing it into sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) (SPAES). SNPOSS exhibits unique hygroscopic characteristics, enabling it to be deliquesced by rapidly absorbing moisture from the air. This crucial aspect is instrumental in facilitating the formation of proton transfer channels within PEMs at low RH levels. The grafted long flexible butyl sulfonic acid moieties serve as bridges for protons, facilitating their traversal across greater distances and providing additional proton jumping sites, thereby establishing an efficient proton transfer pathway. Under low RH, the overall behavior of SPAES/SNPOSS membranes, including proton conductivity, fuel cell performance and durability, is better than Nafion membrane.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Shouyi & Zhao, Chenghui & Li, Jiaze & Li, Na & Hu, Zhaoxia & Chen, Shouwen, 2026. "Excellent proton transfer in proton exchange membrane at low humidity accelerated by sulfonated polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pa:s0960148125016465
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123982
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