Cross-linked sulfonated polyimide membranes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

The SO₂ cross-linked membranes of sulfonated polyimides (SPIs) bearing sulfophenoxy side groups were prepared and evaluated as polymer electrolyte membranes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). They maintained a high mechanical strength and proton conductivity after aging in water at 130°C for 500 h, indicating their high water stability. PEFCs with the SPI membranes showed high performances at 90°C under a high feed-gas humidity of 84% relative humidity (RH), and also fairly high performances even at a low feed-gas humidity of 30% RH due to the back-diffusion of water formed at the cathode. The PEFCs were operated under a constant current density of 0.5 A/cm² at 90°C and 84% RH for 1600 h without any reduction in cell performance. There was no change in the Fourier transform infrared spectra for the SPI membranes before and after the durability test. These results indicate that they have a high durability in PEFC operation. The cross-linked SPI membranes have a high potential for PEFCs at higher temperatures above 80°C.