Embedding poly(styrene sulfonic acid) into PVDF matrix—a new type of proton electrolyte membrane

Hydrophilic polymer segments, consisting of styrene sulfonic acid (SSA) units, were uniformly embedded into hydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix through the mediation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) segments, with which SSA segments form a copolymer. Discrete domains (∼100 nm) assembled by the SSA segments have been identified throughout the matrix of the membrane, which was prepared through blending of the copolymer P(MMA–SSA) and the PVDF. The thermal stability of the SSA was largely boosted in such hydrophobic environment. This unique matrix structure offers proton conductivity of as high as 10−3 S/cm at a low SSA equivalent (0.6 mmol –SO3H/g of membrane), which is accompanied with a low level of water uptake (26%) at ambient temperature. Using this type of polymer membrane as electrolyte, the electrochemical cell possesses obvious capacitive resistance when the membrane is in the anhydride form according to the impedance analysis. However, the capacitive character vanishes when the membrane is hydrated; this response is attributed to the existence of highly dispersed SSA domains in the membrane. This work also analyzes the impedance spectra of the membranes at different hydrated states or with different SSA contents by using an equivalent electrical circuit.