Water-stable crosslinked sulfonated polyimide–silica nanocomposite containing interpenetrating polymer network

Sulfonated polyimide (SPI) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) (IXSPI)–silica (SiO2) nanocomposite membranes were fabricated as proton conducting solid electrolytes for fuel cells. Urethane acrylate non-ionomers (UANs) were used as dispersants to homogeneously distribute nanosized SiO2 and, simultaneously, as crosslinkers to induce IPN structure formation. IXSPI–SiO2 nanocomposite membranes showed high proton conductivity and hydrolytic stability, and low methanol permeability as compared with those of pristine SPI. Interestingly, the casting solvent for membrane fabrication influenced membrane performances, especially proton conductivity. In particular, dimethyl sulfoxide exhibited a strong interaction with sulfonic acid groups in the polymer matrix, which hindered them from spontaneously releasing protons and reduced the proton conductivity and electrochemical performances of the resulting membranes. Crosslinkers with long polyethylene oxide chains also contributed to improved proton conductivity and increased single cell performances.