Synthesis and Characterization of Membranes from Sulfonated Polystyrene Waste and TiO2 Fillers (PSS/TiO2) as Proton Exchange Membranes

Synthesis of sulfonated membrane from polystyrene waste and TiO2 filler as proton exchange membrane has been carried out. The effect of variations in the concentration of polystyrene (10%, 15%, 20%) and the addition of TiO2 was studied. The solvothermal synthesis results of TiO2 confirmed by XRD showed the typical peaks according to standards. The membrane characterization was analyzed by FTIR, SEM-EDX and LCR meter. The success of sulfonation was evidenced by the presence of sulfonate groups at 1171.37 and 1170.67 cm–1 with degree of sulfonation (DS) of 10%, 15% and 20% PSS membranes of 32.02%, 40.03% and 48.04%, respectively. The insertion of TiO2 filler into the membrane was confirmed by SEM-EDX and its effect could increase the conductivity value (σ). The results showed that this membrane has the potential to be developed as a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.