Novel Hybrid Heteropoly Acid/Polymer Ionomers With Very High Proton Conductivity

We have fabricated proton conducting films using monomers based on vinyl substituted silicotungstic acid heteropoly acids (HPAs) and acrylate co-monomers. In this work we probe the morphology of this system based on increasing the weight loading of the HPA to 85 wt%. Although impressive proton conductivities can be achieved with these films under hotter and drier operating conditions than in conventional proton exchange membranes, the materials have mechanical limitations. We have begun to develop more practical systems in which ester and methylene groups are eliminated from the polymer backbone.