Synthesis of Magnetically Organized Ionic Domains of Sulfonated Poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) with Potassium Ferricyanide Nanoparticles for Fuel Cell Applications

This research explores the incorporation of ferrocyanide nanoparticles into sulfonated poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) (S-SIBS) through ultrasonication as a strategy to augment proton conductivity and overall performance of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for fuel cell applications. SIBS was sulfonated to a high ion exchange capacity, followed by membrane fabrication with potassium ferricyanide (KFeCN6) nanoparticles previously ultrasonicated and dispersed into the polymer matrix. Several characterization techniques were performed, including infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, proton conductivity measurements, water uptake analysis, swelling ratio assessments, and methanol permeability testing. The membranes incorporating nanoparticles exhibited a remarkable 32% increase in proton conductivity when compared to their pristine counterparts, along with reduced methanol permeability and improved thermal stability.