In recent years, studies have been made to develop materials that can be used as anion exchange membranes. Many investigations are focused on synthesizing anion exchange membranes with high conductivity and durability. In our laboratory, poly(arylene ether sulfone)s, which are demonstrated as potential materials for anion exchange membranes, are synthesized based on step-growth polymerizations. Poly(sulfone)s backbones which have benzylic methyl groups are achieved. Benzylic methyl groups can be brominated by a free radical reaction using n-bromosuccinimide. Brominated benzylic methyl groups can be functionalized with trimethylamine so as to afford benzyltrimethyl ammonium groups. Block poly(arylene ether sulfone)s are prepared to improve conductivities of aminated polymers because of their phase separation microstructure. The main concern is getting materials with both high conductivity and enough durability. Structures of polymers are determined by 1H NMR. Physical properties, such as thermal stability, glass transition temperature, mechanical properties, and ion exchange capacity (IEC), are also tested.

Synthesis and characterization of hydrophilic-hydrophobic copolymers based on poly(arylene ether sulfone) for anionic exchange membranes

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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