Hybrid inorganic–organic proton exchange membranes containing 1H-1,2,3-triazole moieties

Hybrid inorganic–organic polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) were synthesized from a combination of 1H-1,2,3-triazole grafted alkoxy silanes, tetraethoxy silane (TEOS), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) or phosphoric acid. The resulting hybrid inorganic–organic proton exchange membranes were self-supporting and thermally stable up to 180 °C. Evaluation of proton conductivity as a function of temperature indicates that by using sol–gel chemistry, it is possible to achieve mechanically robust membranes having proton conductivity comparable to uncrosslinked, liquid-like 1H-1,2,3-triazole functionalized polysiloxane homopolymer. Mechanical properties of these hybrid inorganic–organic membranes were investigated using nanoindentation.