Sustainable fabrication of solvent-free cation exchange membrane via tuning sulfonation time of PEEK

Abstract

Researchers have been looking at novel strategies to lessen the environmental effect of various industrial processes in recent years due to the growing concern over environmental sustainability on a worldwide scale. The creation of eco-friendly materials for electrochemical applications is one such area of focus. By adjusting the poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) sulfonation period, this study suggests a unique approach for creating a solvent-free cation exchange membrane utilising sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). The goal of this study is to determine how the sulfonation period affects the membrane characteristics in order to improve its electrochemical performance (reducing resistance 9%) and ion exchange capacity (increasing 11%) while reducing the environmental damage caused by solvent use. Potential advantages of this strategy include a decrease in the production of hazardous waste and energy use, ultimately leading to a more sustainable environment.

Keywords

• Solvent free cation exchange membrane
• Sulfonation of PEEK
• Ion-exchange membranes
• Thermo-gravimetric analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy