Investigating the role of polymer size on ionic conductivity in free-standing hyperbranched polyelectrolyte membranes

Polymer-based ion exchange membranes (IEMs) are utilized for many applications such as in water desalination, energy storage, fuel cells and in electrophoretic drug delivery devices, exemplified by the organic electronic ion pump (OEIP). The bulk of current research is primarily focused on finding highly conductive and stable IEM materials. Even though great progress has been made, a lack of fundamental understanding of how specific polymer properties affect ionic transport capabilities still remains. This leads to uncertainty in how to proceed with synthetic approaches for designing better IEM materials. In this study, an investigation of the structure-property relationship between polymer size and ionic conductivity was performed by comparing a series of membranes, based on ionically charged hyperbranched polyglycerol of different polymer sizes. Observing an increase in ionic conductivity associated with increasing polymer size and greater electrolyte exclusion, indi-cating an ionic transportation phenomenon not exclusively based on membrane electrolyte uptake. These findings further our understanding of ion transport phenomena in semi-permeable membranes and indicate a strong starting point for future design and synthesis of IEM polymers to achieve broader capabilities for a variety of ion transport-based applications.

Automated summary

By comparing a series of membranes based on ionically charged hyperbranched polyglycerol of different polymer sizes, the study investigates the structure-property relationship between polymer size and ionic conductivity. Increasing polymer size was found to lead to higher ionic conductivity and greater electrolyte exclusion, indicating an ion transport phenomenon not solely based on membrane electrolyte uptake. These findings provide valuable insights for the future design and synthesis of improved IEM polymers.