Preparation of a functional poly(ether imide) membrane for potential alkaline fuel cell applications: Chloromethylation

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 112; no. 2; pp. 721 - 727
• Main Authors: Wang, Guigui, Weng, Yiming, Zhao, Jun, Chen, Rongrong, Xie, Dong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.04.2009; Wiley
• Subjects: anion exchange membrane; Applied sciences; chloromethylation; Exact sciences and technology; Exchange resins and membranes; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; ionic conductivity; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Chloromethylation; Electrical properties; Molecular structure; Ionic conductivity; Aromatic polymer; Quaternary ammonium copolymer; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Structure processing relationship; Etherimide copolymer; Chemical modification; Amination; Preparation; Aromatic copolymer; Anion exchange membrane; Etherimide polymer
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.29471

We have developed a novel poly(ether imide)-based alkaline anion-exchange membrane. The effects of several important parameters on the chloromethylation of the membrane have been investigated. These parameters include the reaction temperature, reaction time, concentration of the chloromethylation agent, concentration of the polymer, and amount of the catalyst. The results show that all the studied parameters have significant impacts on chloromethylation. Among them, the concentration of the chloromethylation agent plays a key role in increasing the attachment of chloromethyl functional groups onto the polymer. It ha been found that gelation can be avoided if these reaction parameters are controlled. This study also provides useful information for the successful chloromethylation of other membrane-related polymers.