Characterization of SPEEK/Y2O3 proton exchange membrane treated with high magnetic field

The membranes of sulfonated poly(etheretherketone) of 48.3% sulfonation degree doped with Y2O3 were prepared, and then treated with parallel high magnetic field of 6 and 12 T at 120 °C for 4 h, respectively. The small-angle X-ray scattering revealed that the structure of the composite membranes would be changed by high magnetic field treatment. The cross-section morphology of the composite membranes by a scanning electron microscope showed that the Y2O3 could be dispersed evenly in the composite membranes which were relatively smooth and compact but formed small conglomeration with increasing Y2O3 content and treating high magnetic field. The water uptake of membranes would be reduced with Y2O3 content increasing, but not be modified by the treatment of high magnetic field. The proton conductivity of membranes would be increased with temperature rising from 20 to 60 °C, and improved under high magnetic field, which could all exceed 10−2 S/cm at 75% relative humidity, but decrease with doping content of Y2O3 from 2 wt.% to 8 wt.%. The methanol permeability of the composite membranes would be decreased with Y2O3 content increasing and slightly reduced after high magnetic field treatment.