Search

The 3-triethylammonium propane sulfonic (TEA-PS+) cation associated with the anion tetrafluoroborate, hydrogen sulfate or trifluoromethanesulfonate leads to the formation of the new protic ionic liquids (ILs) 3-triethylammonium propane sulfonic acid tetrafluoroborate (TEA-PS·BF4), 3-triethylammonium propane sulfonic acid hydrogen sulfate (TEA-PS·HSO4) and 3-triethylammonium propane sulfonic acid trifluoromethanesulfonate (TEA-PS·CF3SO3), respectively. These ILs are used to produce Nafion/IL composite membranes with 2.5, 5 or 10 wt% of IL. The results show that the IL addition improves the thermal stability, hydrophilicity and conductivity. Experiments performed with the Nafion/IL membranes in a single proton exchange membrane fuel cell at 100 °C indicate that the membrane containing 5 wt% of TEA-PS·HSO4 is the most efficient one producing an increase of the maximum current density of approximately 230% when compared to the pristine membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the manuscript was revised following peer review, an error was introduced in the conductivity data reported in Table 3. Adding the standard values (SD) of the original values, which were correct, we made an error about the unit used for the membrane thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]