Naphthalene-based poly(arylene ether ketone) anion exchange membranes

Abstract

Naphthalene-based poly(arylene ether ketone)s were obtained through a three-step process involving polymerization of methylated polymers, followed by bromination and derivatization with a diquaternary-ammonium group. The ionic conductivities of the anion exchange membranes were above 10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at room temperature and the membrane with an IEC = 1.46 mequiv. g⁻¹ attained an ion conductivity of 7.4 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at 100 °C, which is higher than many reported results. The membrane series had low water uptake and excellent dimensional stability, even at the highest IEC values. In addition, the membranes were insoluble in organic solvents and concentrated alkaline solutions for many days, even under heating, suggesting their excellent stability. These combined data suggest that the membranes have potential to be used as anion exchange membranes for fuel cells applications.