Nano-silicon dioxide (SiO₂) was incorporated into the matrix of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)/ammonium ionic liquid (AIL) membranes by solution casting, with the aim of reducing ionic liquid leaching and any consequent decrease in proton conductivity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra results indicate incorporation of the SPEEK matrix with AIL and nano-SiO₂. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X⁻ray diffraction (XRD) images revealed that incorporation of nano-SiO₂ make the ternary composite membranes more flexible. The maximum ion exchange capacity (IEC) value was 3.25 meq/g, and the net structure formed by the nano-SiO₂ not only retarded AIL leaching, but also increased the proton conductivity of the composite membranes. AIL leaching from the membranes was between 20% and 30%, which was lower than that of the SPEEK/AIL membrane. The maximum proton conductivity for the SPEEK/AIL/SiO₂ membranes reached 10.73 mS/cm at 393 K.
Keywords: ammonium ionic liquids; leaching; nano silicon dioxide; proton conductivity; sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone).