Preparation and performance analysis of ILs@MoS2 modified polyimide proton exchange membrane

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) is widely implemented as a pivotal component in fuel cell technology. However, cost-effectiveness and complex preparation protocols of commercial PEMs remain major challenges for PEM applications. In this paper, a variety of sulfonated polyimide (SPI) composite films filled with ionic liquids @ molybdenum sulfide (ILs@MoS 2 ) are prepared, which simultaneously yield superior proton conductivity and reduced pollution with feasibility. It is found that with increasing the ILs@MoS 2 ratio, composite films with an ILs@MoS 2 content of 1.5 wt% exhibit a significant improvement of 68 % in proton conductivity, increasing from 0.0778 to 0.1308 S/cm at 80 °C under 100 % relative humidity (RH). This result is believed to be partly attributed to the presence of the dense network of active sites and hydrogen bonds promoted by ILs@MoS 2 . Overall, SPI composite films modified by ILs@MoS 2 demonstrate potential as alternatives for applications in PEM technologies.