Polymers containing unsaturated N-heterocyclic cations (i.e., imidazolium), also known as polymerized ionic liquids (PILs), have been synthesized and investigated for various applications, including alkaline fuel cells and batteries. Recently, results have shown higher alkaline chemical stability and lithium electrochemical stability for polymers bearing a saturated N-heterocyclic cation (pyrrolidinium) versus unsaturated N-heterocyclic cation (imidazolium). However, to date, few studies have systematically investigated polymers containing saturated N-heterocyclic cations with various ring sizes. In this study, homopolymers and multiblock polymers containing styrene-based saturated N-heterocyclic cationic chemistry was synthesized with various saturated N-heterocyclic cations (methylpyrrolidinium, methylpiperidinium, methylazepanium) and investigated as functional polymer membranes as it applies to alkaline fuel cells and lithium ion batteries. This work provides a fundamental understanding of the impact of polymers containing various saturated N-heterocyclic cation sizes on polymer properties and further introduces a promising chemistry for producing highly stable and ion conductive solid-state separators for alkaline fuel cells and lithium ion batteries.

Saturated N-heterocyclic cationic multiblock polymers as solid-state separators in alkaline fuel cells and lithium ion batteries

256th National Meeting (2018)

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