Preparation and physical characterization of a sulfonated poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) and polypyrrole composite membrane

The properties of cation-exchange membranes based on polymeric composites o f sulfonated poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) and polypyrrole (Ppy) are disc ussed. The amount of Ppy in the composites depends on the oxidant solution concentration used in the synthesis. Comparing composite membranes, the hig hest electronic conductivity and the best thermal stability were obtained f or the composite membrane with the greatest content of Ppy. The membranes w ere thermally stable up to 250 degreesC. As could be seen by SEM, Ppy is ho mogeneously distributed in the sulfonated poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) m atrix. Consequently, composite membranes swell in water much less than base membrane alone. Ion-exchange capacity (IEC) does not change with pyrrole p olymerization. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved.