Abstract
End-group cross-linkable sulfonated poly(arylene ether) polymer (E-SFQK) was synthesized via direct polymerization of potassium 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate (SHQ) and decafluorobiphenyl (DFBP), followed by a reaction with ethynylphenol (EP). The cross-linking reaction of the ethynyl end group of E-SFQK was performed at 250 °C. After cross-linking, proton conductivity, water uptake, and swelling ratio of cross-linked membrane decreased from 0.16 (noncross-linked membrane) to 0.13 S/cm, from 86% to 42%, and from 31% to 13%, respectively. The effect of cross-linking time on proton conductivity, water uptake, and swelling ratio were also investigated. Methanol permeability of cross-linked membrane was compared with Nafion 117 due to solubility of noncross-linked membranes in methanol. The cross-linked membrane performed better, with a methanol permeability of 88 × 10−8 cm2/s, as compared with 154 × 10−8 cm2/s for Nafion 117. The cross-linked membrane also exhibited improved chemical resistance and oxidative ...
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