Chloromethylbenzoylation as a simple way to poly(aryl ether)s with side-chain-type benzylic cationic groups for anion-exchange membranes. (10th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Zhenghui; Yan, Xin; Yu, Lintao; Xie, Huanhuan; Wang, Lihui; Ramani, Vijay K.
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 154(2018)
• Page Start: 272
• Page End: 280
• Publication Date: 2018-10-10
• Subjects: Anion-exchange membrane -- Benzoylation -- Chloromethylbenzoylation -- Fuel cell -- Poly(aryl ether); Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.09.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: To circumvent the shortcomings of traditional synthetic routes in the field of anion-exchange membranes (AEMs), a novel approach termed chloromethylbenzoylation has been proposed. Via chloromethylbenzoylation, side-chain-type benzylchloride groups could be directly incorporated into a broad scope of poly(aryl ether) substrates, such as poly(resorcinol ether ketone), poly(naphthalene-2, 7-diol ether ketone), poly(resorcinol ether sulfone), and commercial poly(phenylene oxide). As a showcase, chloromethylbenzoylated poly(resorcinol ether ketone) was aminated to obtain side-chain-type AEM, which exhibited higher conductivity, much lower swelling and better alkaline stability when compared with main-chain-type AEMs prepared via traditional chloromethylation of PEEK. This simple and unprecedented approach provides a facile way to high performance AEMs with side-chain-type benzylic cationic groups, without using toxic or costly reagents. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Chloromethylbenzoylation proposed as an unprecedented way to side-chain-type AEMs. This method is simple, clean, and versatile to a broad scope of poly(aryl ether)s. The resultant AEMs outperformed conventional analogues in key properties.