High Conductivity Pyridine‐Containing Polybenzimidazole High‐Temperature Proton Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cells

The introduction of nitrogen‐containing structure, which can form interaction with acid, has proven a powerful strategy for constructing a proton exchange membrane with high acid uptake and superior proton conductivity. In this work, pyridine structure is brought into the main chain of polybenzimidazole to improve the ability of loading acid, while the rigid structure of diphenyl ether and benzene ring provides mechanical strength for the whole membrane. The prepared copolymer py PBI‐ co ‐PBI‐ co ‐OPBI shows a great thermal stability with an onset thermal decomposition temperature of 547°C, an outstanding ability of absorbing phosphoric acid, and good mechanical strength. High phosphoric acid uptake means high ionic conductivity above 100 mS/cm at 160°C without additional moisture. Excellent comprehensive performance of py PBI‐ co ‐ p PBI‐ co ‐OPBI shows its potential capability to be used as proton exchange membrane in fuel cells.