Preparation and Properties of γ-Rays Irradiation-Induced Crosslinked Sulfonated Polyimide Proton Exchange Membranes

To improve the performance of sulfonated polyimide (SPI) membrane, especially to heighten water stability, γ-rays irradiation-induced crosslinking is used to modify the SPI membrane. The effects of radiation crosslinking on SPI membrane are investigated. Their physical properties, membrane morphology, proton conductivity, membrane stability and mechanical property are measured and reported. In this study, 24 hours radiation treatment endow the SPI membrane (SPI-24h) with the optimum performance, remarkably improved the water stability with only slight sacrifice in proton conductivity.