Fabrication of a High Proton-Conducting Sulfonated Fe-Metal Organic Framework-Polytriazole Composite Membranes: Study of Proton Exchange Membrane Properties

A series of hybrid composite membranes including polymer-metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), are synthesized using sulfonated Fe-MOF and sulfonated polytriazole (PTSF). After being post-modified by 1,3-propane sultone, the obtained Fe-S MOF is incorporated into the polytriazole polymer matrix through the solution blending method. Additionally, a series of polytriazole with a degree of sulfonation of 60 is prepared, with the percentage of the Fe-S MOF ranging from 3 to 9 weight percent. A comparison is made between the properties of these hybrid membranes and those of the pristine membranes. The hybrid membranes demonstrate a high degree of solubility in every solvent that is employed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirm that the MOF is distributed uniformly throughout the polymer matrix. Moreover, well-separated morphologies are confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The prepared hybrid membranes demonstrate enhanced proton conductivities, water absorption, and swelling, all of which are accomplished without influencing the oxidative stability values.