Cross‐linked polybenzimidazole membranes for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells with dichloromethyl phosphinic acid as a cross‐linker

Phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes have been covalently cross‐linked with dichloromethyl phosphinic acid (DCMP). FT‐IR measurements showed new bands originating from bonds between the hydrogen bearing nitrogen in the imidazole group of PBI and the CH₂ group in DCMP. The produced cross‐linked membranes show increased mechanical strength, making it possible to achieve higher phosphoric acid doping levels and therefore higher proton conductivity. Oxidative stability is significantly improved and thermal stability is sufficient in a temperature range of up to 250°C, i.e. within the temperature range of operation of PBI‐based fuel cells. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.