![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
In this study, novel poly(imide-ethylene glycol) (PIEG) was prepared via polycondensation of ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride, 4-aminophenyl sulfone, and poly(ethylene glycol) bis(amine). Later, thermally stable and mechanically robust undoped and acid-doped proton exchange membranes were prepared using the graphene oxide (GO) nanofiller. Field emission scanning electron microscope revealed a unique hexagonal imprinted morphology of the fractured surface. Increasing the GO content from 1 to 5 wt% increased tensile strength (59.7–65.9 MPa) and the modulus (20.3–23.9 GPa) of the undoped PIEG/GO series. Thermal properties of the undoped PIEG/GO 1–5 membranes were also higher, i.e., T10 = 438–487°C. However, dop-PIEG/GO 1–5 membranes have a higher ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 2.4–2.9 mmol/g and proton conductivity 1.8–2.7 S cm−1 (94% RH).