No CrossRef data available.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Thin proton conducting membranes of an organic-inorganic polymer electrolyte bearing sulphonamide and sulfonic groups are prepared by sol-gel process. Polycondensation of alkoxysilanes provides the inorganic silicate backbone whereas the organic network is formed from reactive functional groups R'((-CH2)3-SO3H) and [(-CH2)3-SO2 NH2] of alkoxysilanes of R'Si[OR3] type. Proton conductivity measured in the dry and wet state under controlled Temperature and Relative Humidity increases from 10 -4 S.cm-1 under vacuum to 6 10-2S.cm-1 at 70°C and 96% RH. Conductivity dependence on temperature and associated conduction mechanisms are discussed in both states.