The Sulfonated Poly (Ether Ether Ketone) (sPEEK) is used in many of the developments of polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cells. In this publication, it is proven that the water in the sPEEK membrane creates channels in the sulfonated clusters by interacting with the sulfonic groups, and changing the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material. It is shown that, for conductivity, apart from water in the membrane, order is needed in the water channels because it has an impact on how fast the protons pass through the membrane. This research focuses on how various thermal treatment, performed under a pre-stated conditioning; allow the free alignment of the inner phases, influencing their order. It is demonstrated how is possible to use of differential calorimetry, dielectric measurements and X-ray to follow these changes, and how to used Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy to forecast the most optimal and stable thermal treatment for the highest proton conduction in sPEEK. The methodology is also test successfully on a hybrid sPEEK/Boron Phosphate membrane.

Crude oil, coal and gas are currently the main resources of energy in the world. The World Energy Outlook claimed in 2007 that the major source of energy (about 84%) would still be generated from fossil fuels in 2030. By these projections, the world's fossil fuel reserves will be consumed within a few decades, making it necessary to have a well stablished replacement for fossil fuels to fulfil our energy demands. Furthermore, the environmental impacts of fossil fuels are becoming clearer to scientists and governments. Among the population, environmental awareness is increasing as well, which leads to an increase in the demand for energy that does not harm the environment.
Fuel Cells are one of the most promising clean energy technologies, which are in clear consideration to replace fossil fuels in the future. They work as electrochemical energy conversion devices, similar to batteries, but do not require the recharging process, since they just depend on the presence of fuel to keep producing electricity. In most fuel cells, hydrogen is supplied to the anode and oxygen to the cathode, which results in production of water, heat and what is the most important, electricity. Unfortunately, several drawbacks with fuel cells have been identified. Probably the most important one is the very high cost, which is caused by use of the expensive electrolyte membrane and the catalyst...