Anion exchange membranes and polymers for use in same
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to anion exchange membranes and, more particularly, to anion exchange membranes comprising a styrene block copolymer and methods for their manufacture. In one embodiment, the invention provides a polymer according to formula IV, wherein x and y are mo 1 %, QA is or each of R 1 and R 2 is, independently, a linear alkyl chain or a cyclic alkyl chain, and Z is selected from a group consisting of: a linear alkyl chain, a cyclic alkyl chain, and an alkylene ether chain.
1. A polymer according to formula IX
wherein x and y are mol % and n is 1-10.
2. A method of preparing the polymer of claim 1 , the method comprising:
immersing a polymer of formula VIII in aqueous trimethylamine;
heating the mixture to approximately 50 ° C.;
rinsing the polymer with water; and
immersing the resulting polymer in sodium hydroxide
wherein x and y are mol % and n is 1-10.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:
forming the polymer of formula VIII by:
mixing a polymer of formula VII with an alcohol of formula 3
adding to the mixture a quantity of anhydrous dichloromethane;
cooling the mixture;
adding to the mixture a quantity of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid; and
precipitating the polymer of formula VIII in methanol,
wherein x and y are mol % and n is 1-10.
4. A fuel cell alkaline exchange membrane, a fuel cell ionomer, an electrolysis alkaline exchange membrane, or an actuator comprising:
a polymer of formula IX
wherein x and y are mol % and n is 1-10
5. The fuel cell alkaline exchange membrane, fuel cell ionomer, electrolysis alkaline exchange membrane, or actuator of claim 4 , further comprising:
at least one additional polymer selected from a group consisting of:
a polymer of formula IV
wherein x and y are mol %, QA is
each of R 2 and R 2 is, independently, a linear alkyl chain or a cyclic alkyl chain, and Z is selected from a group consisting of: a linear alkyl chain, a cyclic alkyl chain, and an alkylene ether chain; and
a polymer of formula XII
wherein x and y are mol % and n is 1-10.
6. The fuel cell alkaline exchange membrane, fuel cell ionomer, electrolysis alkaline exchange membrane, or actuator of claim 5 , wherein the at least one additional polymer includes a polymer of formula IV.
7. A fuel cell ionomer according to claim 4 .
8. An electrolysis alkaline exchange membrane according to claim 4 .
9. An actuator according to claim 4 .
10. A fuel cell alkaline exchange membrane according to claim 4 .
11. The fuel cell alkaline exchange membrane, fuel cell ionomer, electrolysis alkaline exchange membrane, or actuator of claim 5 , wherein the at least one additional polymer includes a polymer of formula XII.
12. A fuel cell ionomer according to claim 5 .
13. An electrolysis alkaline exchange membrane according to claim 5 .
14. An actuator according to claim 5 .