In situ synthesis of star copolymers consisting of a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane core and poly(2,5‐benzimidazole) arms for high‐temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells

摘要: Star copolymers with good film-forming and mechanical properties were in situ synthesized for fabricating proton exchange membranes. The monomers of 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid first grafted onto glycidyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (G-POSS) cores then propagated to the poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) chains. introduction star copolymer improves movement ABPBI polymer chains, resulting a lower internal viscosity larger free volume that favor increased membrane flatness absorbilities water phosphoric molecules, respectively. It was found 1.0 wt% incorporated POSS (ABPBI-1.0POSS) had best balance retentivity property as well are desirable membranes without PA loss operating at high temperatures. enhanced cell performance characteristics obtained using ABPBI-1.0POSS-based indicate promising materials use high-temperature fuel cells.