A series of hydroquinone-based poly(arylene ether) copolymers, with truly pendent sulfonated phenylsulfonyl and either benzothiazole or benzoxazole groups, was prepared via metaactivated nucleophilic aromatic substitution polycondensation reactions. The ratio of 3,5-difluoro-3'-sulfonated diphenylsulfone to 2-[3,5-bis-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)]benzothiazole was varied to afford ion-exchange capacities ranging from 0.31-1.63 meq. The copolymers displayed low water uptake values, moderate glass transition temperatures, and excellent thermal stability. These materials are promising candidates for use as proton exchange membranes under low relative humidity conditions.

Hydroquinone-based poly(arylene ether)s with pendant benzothiazole and 3-sulfonated phenyl sulfonate groups

245th National Meeting (2013)

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