Imidazolium-functionalized poly(arylene ether sulfone) block copolymer as an anion exchange membrane for alkaline fuel cell

Anil H.N. Rao, Roshni Lilly Thankamony, Hyoung Juhn Kim, Sukwoo Nam, Tae Hyun Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

104 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

An ethyl imidazolium-functionalized poly(arylene ether sulfone) (EI-PES) block copolymer was prepared as a novel anion exchange membrane. The EI-PES polymer was synthesized by polycondensation between the F- and OH-terminated oligomers, followed by benzylic bromination and imidazolium functionalization (homogeneous functionalization). The quaternary ammonium-functionalized PES (QA-PES) was also prepared by heterogeneous functionalization, and the properties were compared with EI-PES. The membrane obtained from EI-PES showed a well-defined phase separated morphology between hydrophobic and hydrophilic ionic units of the block copolymer. An IEC of 1.45 meq/g with hydroxide conductivity of 0.03 S/cm at r.t. was observed for EI-PES. The EI-PES membrane also displayed excellent dimensional, thermal, mechanical and chemical stabilities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)111-119
Number of pages9
JournalPolymer
Volume54
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013 Jan 8

Keywords

  • Anion exchange membrane
  • Block copolymer
  • Imidazolium-functionalized polymer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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