| Abstract: | Membranes formed by polysulfonamide (PSA) and phosphotungstic acid (PWA) supported on nano-silica have been prepared. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTTR) and thermogravimctric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the structure and thermal properties of obtained membranes. The analyses of water uptake, proton conductivity and mechanical properties of the membranes revealed that PWA and silica produced a beneficial effect on proton conduction of the membranes. The membranes with 50 wt% of PWA-SiQ2/PSA were mechanically stable and gave proton conductivity of 2. 57 × 10-2 S ?cm-1 at 90℃and 100% relative humidity. According to the obtained results, PWA and SiO2 doped PSA is a promising material for proton exchange membrane. |
