In order to achieve a more stable and highly proton conducting membrane that is also cost effective, the perfluoroalkyl benzenesulfonylimides (PFSI) polymers are proposed as electrolyte for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. 4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-diazonium perfluoro-3, 6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene benzenesulfonyl imide (I) is synthesized from Nafion monomer via a 5-step schematic reaction at optimal reaction conditions. This diazonium PFSI zwitterionic monomer can be further subjected to polymerization. The loss of the diazonium N2+ functional group in the monomer is believed to form the covalent bond between the PFSI polymer electrolyte and carbon electrodes support. All the intermediates and final products were characterized using 1H NMR, 19F NMR and IR spectrometry.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-3699 |
| Date | 01 May 2014 |
| Creators | Nworie, Chimaroke |
| Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
| Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Electronic Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | Copyright by the authors. |
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