PVDF based ion exchange membrane prepared by radiation grafting of ethyl styrenesulfonate and sequent hydrolysis

A new synthesis route for poly(vinylidene fluoride)-g-polystyrene sulfonic acid ion exchange membrane (PVDF-g-PSSA IEM) has been developed via preradiation-induced grafting of ethyl styrenesulfonate and sequent hydrolysis. A high grafting yield (GY) 120% for PETSS grafted onto PVDF could be obtained at a reaction time of 3 h and dose of 50 kGy. The structure of PVDF-g-PSSA IEM was testified by FTIR, XPS, TGA and SEM analysis. At the GY above 80%, the ion exchange capacity, water uptake and proton conductivity of the resultant PVDF-g-PSSA IEM exceeds Nafion 117 membrane. This work provides an environmental method for the preparation of the IEM used in fuel cell or water treatment.