Proton-conducting membrane composed of sulfonated polystyrene microspheres, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and poly(vinylidene fluoride)

A new type of proton exchange membrane (PEM) consisting of polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA) latexes, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has been prepared. The PEM can attain 10−2 S/cm of the proton conductivity at room temperature, which is greater than what Nafion®-117 offers. An investigation into the morphology and thermal behaviour of the resulting tri-component matrixes has been carried out. The results propose the possibility that PSSA–PVP and PVDF–PVP are the two types of Lewis acid–base pairs existing in the matrixes. The acid–base interactions play a role in facilitating proton transport as well as maintaining dimensional stability of the membrane in hydrated state.