Properties of PEEK, preparation and characterization of SPEEK membranes for fuel cell applications: A review Hossein Mighani*, Negin Farshchi Faculty of science, Department of chemistry, Golestan University, Gorgan, P.O. Box 155, (IRAN) E-mail : h.mighani@gu.ac.ir ABSTRACT A review of the literature on the properties of Poly (oxy-1, 4-phenyleneoxy-1, 4-phenylenecarbonyl-1, 4-phenylene) (PEEK) and synthesis and characterization of SPEEK membranes for fuel cell application is presented. This paper provides an overview of the properties of general PEEK and synthesis and properties of sulfonated PEEK compositions membrane for fuel cell application. Based on this paper, PEEK is a high performance aromatic thermoplastic resin that can be used in different applications and sulfonated PEEK is the best alternative for Nafion membranes.  2013 Trade Science Inc. - INDIA INTRODUCTION PEEK is an abbreviation for PolyEtherEther-Ke- tone, a high performance linear aromatic semi-crystal- line engineering thermoplastic which has a high melting temperature of 649F (343C). It has a glass transition temperature at 289F (143C). The material was in- vented and patented in 1978 by the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) Company [1] . PEEK s characteristics include high temperature performance, excellent wear properties, superior chemical resistance, hydrolytic sta- bility and outstanding toughness and strength. PEEK grades offer chemical and water resistance similar to PPS (PolyPhenylene Sulfide), but can operate at higher temperatures. PEEK can be used continuously to 480F (250C) and in hot water or steam without permanent loss in physical properties and is a dimensionally stable material that offers an excellent tensile rating with an operating temperature up to 500F (260C). For hos- tile environments, PEEK is a high strength alternative to fluoropolymers. PEEK is halogen free and carries a UL94V-0 flammability rating and exhibits very low smoke and toxic gas emission when exposed to flame contributing to improved workplace safety. It has ex- cellent chemical resistance to almost all organic and in- organic chemicals and is extremely resistant to high lev- els of gamma radiation for a long-term bundling solu- tion. Hydrolysis resistance is high even at elevated tem- peratures. PEEK meets many aerospace, automotive, fire, smoke and toxicity, food/water, and military ap- provals and standards. And unfilled PEEK is approved by the FDA for food contact applications (since 1998). PEEK chemical structure Fuel cell field is the most investigated field of the eco-friendly energy source for the next generation and the development of a proton exchange electrolyte mem- brane which is an indispensable part for the actual driv- Macromolecules An Indian Journal Volume 9 Issue 3 MMAIJ, 9(3), 2013 [102-110] Macromolecules ISSN : 0974 - 7478 Microreview