Synthesis and characterization of multiblock partially fluorinated hydrophobic poly(arylene ether sulfone)-hydrophilic disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers for proton exchange membranes

Hydrophobic-hydrophilic sequence multiblock copolymers, based on alternating segments of phenoxide terminated fully disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (BPS100) and fluorine-terminated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (6FBPS0) were synthesized and evaluated for application as proton exchange membranes. By utilizing mild reaction conditions the etherether interchange reactions were minimized, preventing the randomization of the multiblock copolymers. Tough, ductile, transparent membranes were solution cast from the block copolymers and were characterized with regard to intrinsic viscosity, morphology, water uptake, and proton conductivity. The conductivity values of the 6FBPS0-BPSH100 membranes were compared to Nafion 212 and a partially fluorinated sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) random copolymer (6F40BP60). The nanophase separated morphology was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering, and enhanced proton conductivity at reduced relative humidity was observed with longer block lengths. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013, 51, 2301-2310