Abstract
Well-defined poly(2,6-dimethyl-4,4′-phenylene oxide)-g-poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PPO-g-PSSA) graft copolymer was synthesized via living radical polymerization. For the graft copolymer, poly(2,6-dimethylphenylene oxide) (PPO) was brominated first, and the brominated PPO (PPO-Br) was used as a macroinitiator in the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt. The number of grafts per PPO chain and the molecular weight of the graft were controlled by adjusting the degree of bromination, and conversion in ATRP, respectively. The graft copolymers obtained were transformed into proton exchange membranes for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) application. The performance of the membranes was measured in terms of water uptake, proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and thermal stability. The water uptake, ion exchange capacity (IEC), and proton conductivity of the membranes increased with PSSA block content. Very low methanol permeability and good proton conductivity were observed by adjusting grafting frequency and PSSA block content.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
