Improving the proton conductivity of proton exchange membranes via incorporation of HPW-functionalized mesoporous silica nanospheres into SPEEK

A highly stable composite proton exchange membrane (PEM) was developed by loading phosphotungstic acid in mesoporous silica nanospheres ([email protected]) and blending with sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). The SPEEK/[email protected] membrane exhibits enhanced comprehensive performance, such as improved and stable proton conductivity and increased methanol barrier property. The proton conductivity decreased by 15.10% after 240 h at...