Understanding the structure-performance relationship of sPEEK- sPES blended electrolytes for direct methanol fuel cell

The high cost, low lifetime and high methanol crossover of proton exchange membranes based on perfluorosulfonic- acid ionomers have limited the widespread commercial application of direct methanol fuel cell tecnology [1]. To overcome these drawbacks, the development of alternative ionomers based on sulfonated aromatic polymers has been emerging as one of the most promising strategies [2]. In this regard, important requirements are adequate mechanical strength with respect to the levels of sulfonation as well as of hydration, allowing high proton conductivity and stability in the aggressive environment of a working fuel cell. In this work we have valuated the possibility to use a polymer blending procedure as facile and effective method to modify some specific properties of the pristine polymers.