Synthesis and characterization of the proton-conducting gels based on PVdFand PMMA matrixes doped with heteropolyacids

Novel proton-conducting gels have been prepared by entrapping heteropolyaci ds solutions in polar aprotic solvents within the polymer matrix. The influ ence of the type of solvent, polymer matrix, and acid concentration on the conductivity, mechanical properties, and thermal stability has been examine d. Poly(methyl methacrylate)-based electrolytes show improved optical trans parency and mechanical properties in comparison with poly(vinylidene fluori de)-based gels with a slight decrease in the conductivity. The high proton conductivity values in the wide temperature range from 5 x 10(-4) S/cm at - 60 degreesC to 8 x 10(-3) S/cm at 90 degreesC make the obtained gels promis ing materials for application in electrochemical devices. Transport of the proton has also been studied on the basis of the analysis of conductivity d ata.