Abstract
In this study, graphene (G) was blended with sulfonated polyether sulfone octyl sulfonamide (SPESOS) in different ratios (1, 1.5, and 2 wt.%) to enhance the proton conductivity of SPESOS. The results of the water absorption analysis and current impedance spectroscopy of a G/SPESOS hybrid film showed that the proton conductivity improved due to the hydrophilic-hydrophobic nature of the hybrid. Further analysis showed that the synthesized hybrid film had a desirable contact angle and good ion exchange capacity, water absorption, and thermal stability. The hybrid film with 2 wt.% graphene showed better proton conductivity (92 mS/cm) than the pristine SPESOS film (34 mS/cm) at 100% relative humidity. These results suggested that the synthesized hybrid films offered superior proton conductivity, ion exchange capacity, and hydrophilicity compared to pristine SPESOS.